WSL2 - Report by Olivia Richards

In a challenging game this evening, our team demonstrated remarkable perseverance and skill despite facing several obstacles. With only nine players available, we struggled early on, especially after losing the swim-up. NYP capitalized on our defensive lapses, scoring twice before we managed to pull one back. Despite our efforts, NYP continued to find the back of the net, leading 2-4 at the end of the first quarter. However, the team rallied following Darren’s motivational speech. Although Bene was temporarily sidelined with a kick-out, our defense tightened, preventing NYP from scoring during that period. Phoebe’s impressive back shot and Alex’s goal after an NYP kick-out brought us back into contention. Alex’s successful penalty shot equalized the score at 5-5, marking a significant turnaround in our performance. The third quarter saw us in fine form, with improved defensive play and notable contributions from Phoebe and Bene, who both scored crucial goals. By the end of the quarter, we had edged ahead 9-8. Despite some stressful moments and a missed penalty shot by Alex, our defensive efforts remained strong, highlighted by Mietta’s dominant play. In the final quarter, our defense continued to excel, with Katie and Mietta particularly standing out. Although we had opportunities to increase our lead, including a missed penalty, the game ended in a draw. Despite not securing a win, the team's spirited performance and resilience were commendable. We now look forward to a well-deserved dinner at Grill’d, where we will celebrate our efforts and recharge for future challenges. Congratulations to all players for their hard work and dedication tonight.

Essendon drew with the NYP Dragons : 11 - 11  

Goals : Alex 3, Emily 3, Phoebe 2, Bene 1, Emmy 1, Mietta 1

Below : WSL2 game night action, photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

From our list of 14, we only managed to have 8 players available this week.  And our missing girls included our top 4 goal shooters and dominant centre forwards.  So we knew this game would be really tough against top of the ladder side, Monash.   At the time we thought the hardest part of this game was getting into the barely heated outdoor pool at 9pm, but after 3 quarters being scoreless - our most difficult task became scoring a goal.  Without a significant bench, we struggled to keep pace with Monash and they really stung us on the turnovers.  Meg, Georgia and the two Lisas had a crack at CF and Sandra came out of the cage to venture to the halfway point to try and give us an extra player.  Sally was doing all the swimups and Heidi and Polina were flanking the pool and trying to feed the ball in.  But we were outclassed or out paced all game.  Our sole salvation came in the final minute of play, when Sally put herself into CF and wrestled her arms free for a split second to get off a shot that was deflected off the keepers fingers and into the net with 35secs left on the clock.  A tough game for all of the girls well out of their comfort zones - but a great effort from everyone to have a go, and not give up.

Essendon were defeated by Monash : 1 - 12

Goals : Sally 1

WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) - Report by Frankie Varghese

Tuesday’s match was a tough but enjoyable one. Old Ivanhoe played an excellent game and even though they won, our team played strong and made several attempts at goals. We played with some new members on our team and look forward for the rest of the season to play together. Even though it was a hard match, it was lots of fun and Old Ivanhoe were great sports.

Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 1 - 18

Goals : TBC

MSL4 - Report by Paul Hunter

It was a lovely warm night for polo this week. Heated contest as well with a top of the table clash,  tight scoreline within the first half but as the game wore on Richmond managed to build a 3 point lead coming into the last. Winning the last quarter 2-1  Essendon looked like there fitness was coming through but eventually still went down by 3 to a more polished side. Once again a great game from Felix saving a bunch and some great outside shooting from the regular offensive weapons.   Onto next week! 

Essendon were defeated by the Richmond Hippos : 7 - 10

Goals : Oscar 3, Ryan 3, Lee 1

12&U Mixed - Report by David Sage

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, no wind and clear sky, around 20oC. The team had a red hot crack and made some great defensive intercepts and gained plenty of turnovers with some of the players drawing plenty of fouls from an experienced Melbourne Collegian side. The main strength to MCs game, was their long passing - able to get the ball down the other end quickly over the throng of players to a lone swimmer on a fast break towards our goal. And they completed that move by putting a score on the board, pretty much every time. This was a key part of their strategy and was hard to shut down. At the halftime break we were down 2-8, and things didn't really change for the latter half.

Essendon/Footscray were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 4 - 17  Goals : TBC

14&U Girls - Report by David Sage

It has to be remembered that this girls’ team have been playing for less than six months and are playing against teams with much more experience. This week that probably showed a little more that other weeks as Richmond dominated the match from the get-go, taking a 0-2 lead within the first two minutes of the match. Defensive efforts by the girls were on display throughout the game and included several long range defensive sprints to swim down attacking players and stop shots. Richmond kept up the pressure throughout the game with consistent passing and strong supportive swimming to be available to receive passes. When our girls had possession, Richmond formed a defensive line and we struggled to break through. By half time it was 0-14 and by the end of the match we had eked out a couple of goals, but the Richmond player match fitness and experience remained in place throughout the second half coming away with a comfortable win.

Essendon/Footscray/Northcote were defeated by Richmond : 2 - 21   Goals : TBC

14&U Boys

Our combined Essendon/Monash/Geelong/Footscray team had a bye this week, but will play Northcote next week, before the playoffs.

Youth Boys - Report by Felix Neal

Our 16&U boys started off strongly this week with the opening goal but were quickly met with a counter attack, and by the end of the first, were down 1-4. The second quarter followed in the same fashion with Richmond growing in strength leading to an onslaught and a 1-9 scoreline at the half. With some wise words from the coach the boys entered the second half strong and caused a quick goal making it 2-9 but this would be their last as Richmond surged ahead further. With a bye next week, then the top 4 playoffs - this was our last game for the competiton. We may have been defeated but lessons were learned and we had plenty of fun.

Essendon/Monash/NYPD/Northcote were defeated by Richmond Black : 2 - 16

Goals : TBC