Women’s Match Report: Royals win local derby against Brunswick Juventus
In a closely contested match at Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon Royals’ Senior Women’s team emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brunswick Juventus, extending their winning streak to three in the league.
Returning to action after a two-week hiatus, the Royals showcased their attacking prowess right from the start. Audrey Oastler, continuing her rich vein of form, netted the decisive goal in the 15th minute. Her early strike set the tone for the Royals, who dominated possession and created a plethora of opportunities throughout the match.
The Royals, currently sitting third on the ladder, approached the game with confidence, and their aggressive start paid off. Oastler’s goal was a testament to her sharp instincts and clinical finishing, giving Essendon an early advantage.
Despite facing a Juventus side struggling for form, the Royals found themselves up against a resilient defence. Brunswick Juventus, positioned at the bottom of the ladder, put forth a commendable defensive effort, challenging the Royals’ offensive lines and forcing them to work hard for every chance.
Essendon peppered the Brunswick goal with a total of 24 shots, 12 of which were on target. Oastler, in particular, was a constant threat, with several opportunities to extend her tally, especially in the latter stages of the match.
In goal, Beth Mason-Jones was once again instrumental, making a crucial save in the first half to preserve the Royals’ slender lead. Her composure and shot-stopping ability provided a solid foundation for the team’s defensive efforts.
The match also saw the debut of Raquel Delaras and Mia Lantieri-Bartley, who made their first appearances off the bench, adding fresh legs and energy to the squad.
While the Royals dominated in terms of chances and possession, Juventus’ defence held firm, ensuring the match remained tightly contested until the final whistle. The victory sees Essendon Royals maintain their third-place position on the ladder, closing the gap to the top two as they continue their pursuit of league leaders Preston Lions and second-placed FC Bulleen Lions.
As the Royals reflect on their performance, the focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum and building on this solid foundation. With three consecutive league wins, Essendon Royals are poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses, their sights firmly set on climbing the ladder and challenging for top honours.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Under-20s picked up their second win of the season, learning a 2-1 win over the local rivals.