It was a closely fought contest at Mentone Grammar School grounds in Keysborough suburb of Melbourne in cloudy and windy conditions as Germany came out on top after a strong competition by the Essendon India team.

The first quarter was a very close affair as India had a chance to make it 12-13 at the first break, but our forwards failed to convert a free kick so we had to be happy with the 6-13 score line, determined to overcome the difference in the second one.

Unfortunately, the Germans successfully defended their lead and increased it further. Germany were strong favourites for the match as their kicking skills were superior, added to the physicality. But the Indians punched above their weight and put up a fighting performance. India registered their first goal of the tournament coming from the beautiful free kick around the 50 metre circle by Ashish Sharma (#3).

Several of the players played really well including Mahesh Tirkey, Sagar Ashoka, Prasanjeet Singh, Akash Malhotra and Amar Roshan Bara. The developing team chemistry of the Indian team was clearly evident as the boys walked out with their heads high after a tough fight.

India matched the Germans toe to toe in the first quarter but the Germans kept on raising the stake as the match progressed, especially with their very tall players against a quite short Indian team. There was strong support for both the teams. The much-improved Essendon India team would be high on confidence as they take on Pakistan at Bendigo on Friday.

German Captain Florian Naumann said after the game "you guys were really good and we had to face a tough fight. We didn’t expect the Indian team to be so good after playing the Pakistan team up first. The way you guys played against us, if you can do the same against Pakistan, I am sure you can win the big game in Bendigo.”