The Castlemaine Goldfields women were under no illusions about the class of the Essendon combination, who have scored over 25 goals already this season in State League 3 West.

When an Essendon goal was registered in the first few minutes, though, the Mainers rallied with Kate Forrest and Jayde Steer repelling many attacks.

Angela West belted in a cross from Bridget Woods at the 30 minute mark to silence the Essendon crowd and play was rapidly changing from end to end until Essendon hammered a shot home just before half time to lead 2-1.

Cate Parnell and Lyn West both had shots after half time and eventually Angela West scored her second, running the ball down the left wing and leaving the goal keeper stranded at the front of the box as the ball cleared all comers and slammed high into the net.

The game was in the balance at 2-2 but when keeper Cat Gaggin was injured in a fierce tackle, Essendon shot their third goal. Rachel West slipped in to keep and did a great job for the remainder of the match, supported by Sarah McCoombe and Tahnee Ollerton who dropped back to help defend. The final result was 3-2 to the Royals in a close tussle.