A no-frills wrap to cover our semi finals games tonight – and our junior games from the weekend.
And did I mention we have one team through to the prelim final on Thursday night? Read on….
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – WOMEN’S SL1 SEMI FINAL
Our girls were caught napping in the first quarter, when MC put 2 goals on the board inside 2mins. But they steadied, and managed to score a couple of goals before the quarter time break, going in at 2-2. The second quarter was tight, neither side gained significant ground though MC slotted one in and the HT scoreline was 2-3. The third quarter saw MC start to gain some space but we also added to our tally, making it 3-5 at three quarter time. Then the floodgates opened, and Collegians ran away with the game. A great effort from our girls, who can be very proud of their form tonight.
Essendon were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 3 – 9
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – JUNIOR WOMEN SEMI FINAL
Despite 3 on the bench, we never really gained the upper hand in this game. The girls never gave up and gave it a red hot go. Congratulations to all our 18s players, who persevered throughout this comp, with reduced numbers and limited games.
Essendon were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Gold : 4 – 7 Goals to Ashleigh 3, Mietta 1
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – MEN’S SL4 SEMI FINAL
With 2 on night shift, we had just one on the bench for this semi final. Despite getting on the scoreboard first, Xavs got 2 away to finish 2-1 up at the end of the first, with Billy already on 2 majors!! Xavs were rushing us in attack forcing us into poor decision making and shot taking AND in defence, opening up big counter-attacks and leaving us exposed. We hit rock bottom in the second quarter, with repeated fast breaks earning Xavs 5 unanswered goals. The HT break was subdued with Essendon 7-1 down, but not out. We knew we needed to slow it down and take control and so we went to it. Lethal Lee entered the fray with a hatrick in the third, leaving Xavs scoreless and us 7-4 down going into the last. We kept the defence tight forcing them to shoot from 6-7m out. Kyle added 2 more and Lima drove home the equaliser 20 secs from time. So at 7-7 at FT, we went into Extra Time playing two 3min periods. We were tired but pumped up. We didn’t let up in defence but attacked ferociously allowing Lima to score two quick goals. Into the final period of ET we found ourselves 9-7 up. Just as we scored 2 quick ones, so could they. But we shut them down in attack. They were tired and demoralised, but they kept fighting and got one final goal past Stu. A tremendous comeback and through to the preliminary on Thurs night. Great work boys. (Report by Stuart Rayner)
Essendon defeated Old Xaverians : 9 – 8 (extra time) Goals to Lee 3, Guilherme 3, Kyle 2, Bernard 1
ESSENDON MSL4 will now take on DVE AQUATIC (PRELIMINARY FINAL) – THURS DEC 7, MELB HIGH 7.15pm (WINNER INTO THE GRAND FINAL)
JUNIOR COMPETITION ROUND 7
JUNIOR COMPETITION – 12&U MIXED
This game produced a rare treat, with THREE players on the bench. With the return of Jules and the arrival of two new players, the team was excited to finally have a full squad on deck. Despite the enthusiasm, we struggled to score, mainly due to our reluctance to take a shot. However, we never stopped in our attempts to get the ball up the pool.
Essendon were defeated by the MC Clams : 1 – 11 Goals : Jack 1
JUNIOR COMPETITION – 14&U GIRLS
Although we were out matched by the MC Minnows, we didn’t stop fighting back. There were some impressive steals and intercepts, especially by Olivia and Elise, but we were unable to protect the ball long enough to see it into the back of the net. However, our only 2 goals of the game were particularly note worthy. Both goals were perfect examples of smart team work. The first was a well timed passing combo up the pool, that saw a well placed pass from Elise turned into a goal by Mietta. It was Mietta again with the second goal. Working seamlessly with Lilly, she worked her defender until she was in prime shooting position, and again a perfect pass from a team mate helped secure our second goal. It was a spectacular game in goals by goalie Erika, who even saved a 5m penalty! (photos from this game on our facebook page)
Essendon were defeated by the MC Minnows : 2 – 12 Goals : Mietta 2