Match Report – U/17 Girls Scottish Cup Sem final – DWPC v Menzieshill

Published: 12 May 2025

Sun 11th May 2025 – NSA Stirling – 12:45pm

3^rd time lucky for the Dunfermline U/17 girls as they have beaten Menzieshill for the first time this season in a high scoring and very competitive Scottish Cup Semi Final, 24-13.  Whilst we were deserved winners on the day it was great to see 24 developing female players enjoying a great game of Water Polo. Well done to both teams.

DWPC were at full strength fielding 12 players as follows:

1. Eve (GK), 2. Ruby Oswald, 3. Ava Thornton 4. Hali Farah, 5. Ruby Reid, 6. Bethany Payne, 7. Poppy Reid, 8. Isla Edwards, 9. Molly Oswald, 10. Rosie Hookham, 11. Ellie Thornton, 12. Hannah Scott.

Menzieshill lined up with 11 players welcoming back Libby Wallace, but missing Ksenia Mann from our last meeting in April.

Per 1: DWPC made a strong start with Ava scoring early, on the counter attack after strong CB defence from Ruby R. Hali then scored at the end of a 6v5. MH pulled 1 back through Libby W before 3 goals from Ava (1 from a penalty, 1 when man-up and 1 from the perimeter) extended our lead to four.  Ailsa D pulled one back for MH from a good perimeter shot that we failed to close down for a 5-2 lead at the end of the first period. 

Per 2: This was a very positive period for our team. Despite losing the first goal by Libby W we replied with six of our own with some excellent play. We defended strongly, saved well, countered and drove quickly. We gained but missed a 6v5 before gaining another which led to a penalty that Ava scored. This meant that MH’s strong and experienced centre back Eleanor Campbell was excluded for the rest of the game. Further goals from Ruby O (man-up), 2 from Hali on the counterattack and a further 2 from Ava from a penalty and when man-up gave us a 6-1 period win and an 11-3 half time lead.

Per 3: As both teams replaced older with younger and less experienced players this was an exciting and close period of play which saw 10 goals shared. Hali extended our lead early before Phoebe Shaw pulled one back for MH. Ruby O extended our lead again before MH really came storming back with 4 goals without reply through a 2^nd from Phoebe S, Libby W when man up and 2 from Libby D on the counterattack.  We fought back though with two late goals from Ava and Isla for a 5-5 period scoreline and us leading 16-8 at the three-quarter stage.

 Per 4: The goal scoring continued into the final period as both teams attacked at every opportunity and perhaps leaving a lack of cover in defence on possession turnovers. We made a strong start with two goals from Hali and one each from Ruby R and Ava (pen). 4 goals were then shared during exciting end to end play:  Ruby R and Ruby O for us and Libby D and Libby W for MH.  MH continued to drive forward strongly scoring two through Libby W and a penalty by Kayla before Molly and Hali (pen) scored for us to extend our lead again. The final goal was scored by MH’s Ailsa D for a final period scoreline of 8-5 and a 24-13 win. Well done girls.

Game positives:

• This was an excellent, hardworking all round team performance which saw all of our players endeavouring to fulfill their individual attacking and defensive roles and collective team tactics. All 12 of our listed players enjoyed water time and made positive contributions.
• A very positive first half where we worked hard, defended strongly, diminished their CF threat, counter attacked with speed and with improved precision to score 11 goals and then covered with awareness on loss of possession to restrict the opposition to just 3 goals in reply.
• Through high energy attacking and good pass awareness we gained 8 exclusions and 6 penalties which is an excellent effort. We saved 50% of our man downs, scored all 6 of our penalties and scored 67% of our 6v5’s

Areas to work on:

• Setting up man-up formations more quickly
• Maintaining possession more effectively when pressed 1 v 1
• Improve decision making and awareness at the end of a counterattack regarding shooting and passing options.

Match statistics:

Per 1: 5-2

Per 2: 6-1 – (11-3)

Per 3: 5-5 – (16-8)

Per 4: 8-5 – (24-13)

8 exclusions gained although 2 led directly to penalties. – 4/6 scored (67%), 4 exclusions conceded– 2/4 saved (50%)

• penalties gained – 6 scored, 1 penalty conceded and 1 goal lost

Scorers: ( ) Exclusions/Pens conceded: [ ]

Ruby O (3) [1 exc], Ava T (9) 4. Hali Farah (8) , Ruby Reid (2) [1 exc, 1 pen], Isla Edwards (1) [1 exc], Molly Oswald (1) [1 exc].

Match Report – U/17 Girls Scottish League – Menzieshill v DWPC

Published: 02 May 2025

Tues 29th April 2025 – Olympia

In a very closely contested and exciting match, DWPC have lost 15 -10 to Menzieshill (MH) in their fourth game of the 24-25 Scottish U/17 girls WP League season.

We had 11 players on poolside at the start of the game:

Per 1: We made an excellent start with an early goal from Isla. MH equalised through Ksenia from a cross pass before 2 goals from Ava and Isla (at man-up) put us two ahead. Ailsa scored a late goal from CF as we lead 3-2 at the end of the period.

Per 2: With end to end exchanges, twelve goals were shared in this exciting period. In the early stages we were on top, defending strongly and shooting accurately against an inexperienced GK to lead 5-2 with 2 goals from Ava before MH replied with 2 from Ksenia. A good man-up goal from Isla and another from Ava extended our lead to 7-4. MH fought back again through Kayla before a 2^nd man-up goal from Isla for an 8-5 advantage. MH again reduced the deficit to 2 goals from Ksenia after rebounds before a penalty goal from Ava put us two up again. Disappointingly we lost a goal right on the buzzer to lead just 9-8 at the halfway mark.

Per 3: MH made what turned out to be a pivotal change at the start of this period as Ksenia went in goal and we then struggled to score against a bigger GK whose long throw was able to launch counter attacks. MH also did very well to make good passes into their CF. Our struggle to score was compounded when Ava had to be replaced feeling unwell midway through the period. MH scored 3 without reply (including 2 from their Centre Forward Ailsa) to lead for the first time in the game. Isla did pull one back but another from Libby D on the counter gave them a 4-1 period win and a 12-10 lead at the three quarter stage.

 Per 4: As our team tired, this negative trend continued in the last period as MH scored 3 without reply. We did work hard and created some good opportunities but wrong options taken and committed scramble defence from the opposition stopped us from scoring. Final score 10-15. Well done to Menzieshill for a very good performance and in the end deserved win.

Game positives:

• A very hardworking performance in which all 11 of our listed players enjoyed water time.
• A very positive first half where we lead by 3 goals on three occasions. We led at by one goal at half time but should probably have been further ahead on number of chances created.
• We saved both exclusions conceded in 5 v 6.

Areas to work on:

• When on the counterattack look for the ball more quickly and then support the ball carrier on both sides of the ball.
• When lead break, drive closer to the goal before pick and shot. Try to move the GK before shooting.
• If supporting the lead break, go vertical ready to receive the cross pass.
• Stopping the ball getting into the CF from the wide areas.
• Improving our ability to move around a strong CF when defending.

Match statistics:

Per 1: 3-2

Per 2: 6-6 – (9-8)

Per 3: 1-4 – (10-12)

Per 4: 0-3 – (10-15)

3 exclusions gained - 2 scored, 2 exclusions conceded– 0 scored

1 penalty gained – 1 scored, 1 penalty conceded and 1 goal lost

Team: Goals in brackets.

1. Eve (GK), 2. Ruby O, 3. Ava T (5), 4. Hali F (pen conceded), 5. Ruby R (exclusion conceded), 6. Bethany P, 7. Poppy R, 8. Isla E (5) (exclusion conceded), 9. Molly O, 10. Rosie H, 11. Ellie T.

Match Reports – U15 Girls v Warrender and v KKASC

Published: 21 April 2025

1. U/15 Girls Scottish League– Warrender v Menzieshill/DWPC -Sat 19^th April – RCP Edinburgh
2. U/15 Girls Scottish League–Kirkintilloch & Kilsyth v Menzieshill/DWPC Sun 20^th April – NSA Stirling

The combined Menzieshill/DWPC have lost one and won one of their two Easter weekend games.

Game 1: v Warrender: The team lined up with nine players.

Team line up: GK – Per 1 & 2 - Rosie Illes Brookbank starting in goal. P1 – Phoebe, P2 - Lilly, P3/CB – Hali, P4 – Poppy, P5 – Ellie, P6/CF – Isla, Subs, Rosie

Per 1: Warrender started very strongly, pressing hard to steal several of our possessions and through this pressure forcing missed shots allowing them to counterattack and score 4 goals without reply. We were trying hard and did gain 3 exclusions but unfortunately missed all of them. Positively we saved the two exclusions we conceded but at the end of the period we trailed 0-4.

Per 2: We made a very positive start to this period, scoring twice through Isla and Ellie and then gained an exclusion but again missed the 6 v 5. Warrender came fighting back and scored the next 3 goals (one when 6 v 5) to win the period 3-2 and extend their lead to 2-7 at the halfway stage:

Per 3: We made a GK change at the start of this period with Ellie going in goal and Rosie IB playing outfield. This was a very close period where the teams shared 4 goals. We gained, but missed another 6 v 5 before Warrender extended their lead. A nice goal from Rosie H reduced arrears before Warrender scored again. Isla then scored for a 2-2 period scoreline and a 4-9 deficit at the three quarters stage.

Per 4: Lucy went in goal for the last period as Ellie rejoined the outfield players. It looked as though the team was tiring however as Warrender pressed home their advantage. They gained and scored a penalty on the drive and then a further 2 goals to extend their lead to 12-4. Commendably though we kept trying and scored the final 2 goals of the contest for a final scoreline of 6-12. Well done Warrender on a deserved win.

Game Positives:

-The team worked hard throughout, and all players gained positive water time.

-We created many goal scoring opportunities.

Areas to work on:

-Decision making on when to pick up the ball and pass to driving players and when to walk forward with the ball to shoot or pass.

-Spacing out when in possession of the ball to create room to drive or room to pick and pass or shoot. This will also help to reduce possession loss.

-Scoring more of the shooting opportunities created.

-Look for the cross pass when getting ready to shoot if you have clear support on the other side of the goal.

-Working together defensively from behind and in front to put pressure on very strong opposition individual players to minimise their goal threat. Emily Lake scored 7.

-Improving our 6v5 “man-up” attack.

 

Match Statistics: Game 1:

Team: Goals and exclusions/penalties conceded ( ):

3. Phoebe Shaw, 4. Hali Farah (1), 5. Lucy Pretorius, (Per 4 GK) 7. Poppy Reid, 8. Isla Edwards (3) (1 pen), 9. Lily O’Neil (1 exc), 10. Rosie Hookham (1), 11. Ellie Thornton (1) (2 exc) (per 3 GK)  13. Rosie Illes Brookbank, (Per 1&2 GK)

Man-up: 0 goals from 5 exclusions gained.    Man Down: 1 goal from 5 conceded (80%) Penalty – 1/1 - 0%

Game 2: v Kirkintilloch and Kilsyth:  The team lined up with 10 players. Phoebe and Lucy were unable to play and were replaced by Molly Oswald, Ailsa Duncan and Lauren Sinclair who were unavailable for the previous game.

After the pressure faced in Game 1 v Warrender, this was a very different game against a very young and inexperienced KK team who had only 7 players.

The team played well to win 27-5 scoring some nice goals but we were bigger and stronger which allowed us to dominate the play. Next time we play this team we will endeavour to set up differently to put less direct defensive pressure on their younger players to allow them more time on the ball and take the opportunity to develop our zone and man down defence.

Match Statistics: Game 2:

Per 1: 9-1, Per 2: 8-3, Per 3: 8-0, Per 4: 2-1

Team: Goals and exclusions/penalties conceded ( ):

2, Molly Oswald (3) (1 pen) (GK per 3), 4. Hali Farah (2) (GK per 4), 6, Ailsa Duncan (3), 7. Poppy Reid (4), 8. Isla Edwards (2) (1 exc) (GK per 2), 9. Lily O’Neil (4), 10. Rosie Hookham, 11. Ellie Thornton (1) 12, Lauren Sinclair (2) 13. Rosie Illes Brookbank (6) (GK per 1)

Man Down: 0 goal from one 5v6 conceded (100%) Penalty – 1/1 - 0%

Match Report – U/19 Girls Scottish League – DWPC/Menzieshill v Warrender.

Published: 31 March 2025

Sun 30^th March 2025 – NSA Stirling .

DWPC/M’Hill have lost their final game of the Scottish U/19 girls WP League season, 11-13 in an exciting and closely contested match to a strong combined Warrender team. As a result, Warrender have won the league. Very well done to them.

We lined up with a young team of 13 players but were unfortunately missing our two most experienced players and captain in Lucy MacNair (illness) and Kayleigh Goldschmidt (abroad) both of whom had major contributions in our last game v Warrender when we won 20-7. On the other hand, Warrender had managed to strengthen their team considerably from that game making 7 changes and introducing three new players.

Per 1: Defences were on top in the early exchanges with both teams finding it difficult to score. Warrender went ahead before we equalised through Millie after Erin had gained the penalty on the drive. 1-1 at the end of the period.

Per 2: In the end, this turned out to be the pivotal period. Both teams scored early with Warrender going 2-1 ahead before Libby Wallace equalised. Unfortunately for us, we then let our level drop as we conceded 4 goals in a row. We were inaccurate in our shooting at one end allowing Warrender to counterattack and score through Rosa Green and Emily Lake and then we were slow to put pressure on their strong shooter Eve Kerr who scored from the perimeter and then scored a penalty. We did steady the ship, sharing the last 4 goals of the period through goals from Eleanor at man-up after Millie gained an exclusion and one from Ava from the perimeter. We then defended well but lost a late goal for Warrender to lead 4-8 at half time.

Per 3: We started this period very well, using an active drop to put pressure on their shooters and then cover their centre forward to score 3 goals in a row through two from Libby W and one from Ksenia. We then missed a man-up gained by Millie on the drive before Warrender called a time-out which paid dividends as Guilia Baldi scored immediately from their right wing. Millie worked hard to gain another exclusion which unfortunately was missed again before Millie did really well to force her 3^rd exclusion of the period which this time was converted by Kayla. The score was now 8-9 and we were playing well. It was then disappointing that with just 48 seconds on the clock Warrender managed to score two. The first one on the counter after we lost possession and then again just 20 seconds later after losing possession again quickly and conceding an exclusion which Eve Kerr converted from the perimeter when man-up. We did really well to win the period 4-3 but trailed 8-11 at the three-quarter stage.

Per 4: We started this period defending well but struggled to penetrate Warrender’s press defence. They scored again through left hander Guilia Baldi but as the period progressed, we kept working hard and gained an exclusion through positive driving by Erin who then converted the man up chance. And then an important moment. Erin gained another man-up on the drive but we were slow to get the ball back to her in space, the pass was intercepted allowing Warrender to counter and score to lead 9-13. This effectively was a two-goal swing and put the game just out of our reach. Positively we kept working scoring the last 2 goals of the contest through Ava and also from Erin at man-up after she had gained another exclusion.  We won the period 3-2 but just came up short with Warrender winning 11-13.

Game positives:

• This was a very positive team performance. All our players enjoyed water time and gained the opportunity to compete against a very strong and experienced Warrender team. That we pushed them so close and indeed had opportunities to perhaps win the game is to their credit.
• We did very well to challenge their defensive pressure and to gain 10 exclusions and one penalty and concede only three exclusions and a penalty was a commendable effort.
• We only lost one period and although always behind, the team never stopped working to reduce the scoreline arrears. Our defence and goalkeeping in the 2^nd half were very good restricting Warrender to just 5 goals from 17 shots. We won the 2^nd half, 7-5.

Areas to work on:

• Most of our attacking drives came from our right side so we need to work hard to balance our attack on the left side, driving with intent especially after our first movements are blocked by the defender. We need to work on how drivers can work together to create space for pass or shot.
• Finding the free player quicker when man-up, especially if our player has been fouled off the ball to gain the exclusion as a quick and accurate pass to this player will create a good goal scoring opportunity. When we do set up our 4:2 or 3:3 attack formation, each player needs to receive the ball with an intent to being a goal scoring threat. More team practise is needed in this phase of play.
• As we head into the Scottish Cup, find more time to train together again.

Match statistics:

Per 1: 2-1

Per 2: 4-8 – (2-7)

Per 3: 4-3 – (8-11)

Per 4: 2-3 – (11-13)

11 shots scored from 31 taken. (35%), 13 goals conceded from 32 faced – (41%)

1 penalty gained - 1 scored, 10 exclusions gained – 5 scored – (50%)

1 penalty conceded – 1 scored, 3 exclusions conceded - 2 goals lost (33%)

Possession lost: 20/45 – (44%) - Possession gained. 11/44 – (25%)

Team: Goals & Exclusions/Penalties in brackets.

1. GK Bea Meldrum (12/25 saves) 2. Erin Livie (2), 3. Ava Thornton (2), 4. Libby Wallace (3), 5. Millie Wishart (1 pen scored), Eleanor Campbell (1) (1 exc), 7. Aimee Shaw, 8, Ruby Oswald (1 exc) 9. Libby Duncan, 10. Lottie Affleck, 11. Kayla R (1) (1 exc), 12. Ruby R (1 pen conceded), Ksenia M (1)