Women’s Match Report: Heartbreak at the Death as Royals Fall to Boroondara

Essendon Royals were left stunned after a stoppage-time sucker punch saw them fall 2-1 to Boroondara-Carey Eagles on Saturday night at the Veneto Club.

In what was an evenly contested match for large stretches, it was the hosts who snatched all three points with virtually the final kick of the game—denying the Royals a hard-earned share of the spoils just moments after Emma Langley looked to have secured a late equaliser.

The Royals started with purpose, enjoying more of the early possession and creating several promising half-chances. Airi Fujiwara and Amy Parkinson were lively in attack, while Emma Langley and Kendrah Smith were heavily involved in link-up play through the middle. But despite multiple entries into the final third and five first-half shots, Essendon failed to seriously test Boroondara keeper Mia Mossman.

Against the run of play, Boroondara struck first in the 27th minute. Priya Savarirayan broke the deadlock with a composed finish, holding off her defender and finishing low past Zara Board after a well-weighted through ball split the Royals backline.

Essendon continued to press after the break but couldn’t find the clinical touch. Amy Parkinson fired over from range and Grace Paradis saw yellow as the Royals battled to claw their way back into the game.

Boroondara nearly made it two on the hour, with a set-piece header crashing against the crossbar, while Drew Dempsey forced a smart stop from Board late on.

But the real drama came in stoppage time.

In the 91st minute, Kendrah Smith surged forward and unleashed a powerful drive that rattled the post. Emma Langley was first to react, pouncing on the rebound and lashing home the equaliser—sending Royals players and fans into raptures.

It looked like Essendon would escape with a valuable point. But just minutes later, a foul on the edge of the box gave Boroondara one final chance. Hayley Geurts stepped up and curled a stunning free kick into the top corner, sealing a last-gasp victory for the hosts and gutting the Royals.

To add salt to the wound, Rebekah Van Dort received a yellow card for the foul that led to the winner—capping off a chaotic final five minutes.

The result leaves the Royals with plenty to rue. Dominant in possession and effort, they’ll feel the match slipped through their fingers in cruel fashion.

Still, with signs of cohesion and attacking flow continuing to develop, Vince Battiato’s side remains well-positioned to bounce back as the season rolls on.