Cannons fired-up for finals

A STIRRING 1-0 win has seen Casey’s men’s Metro One East hockey side sneak into the top four by just two points.
The Cannons claimed victory through a Josh Hondow goal against Old Xaverians and will now take on the Greater Dandenong Warriors in this Saturday’s elimination final.
The State League Three team, attempting to avoid relegation, drew with Old Xaverians 1-1.
Matt Light scored Casey’s only goal.
A win would have seen the Cannons finish fifth, but they ultimately came ninth – second from the bottom.
This could change, pending the result of a protest club officials have lodged with Hockey Victoria.
Captain Blake Edwards said the club believed there were issues surrounding Old Xaverians use of designated substitutes.
Designated substitutes are players who are competing in their second game in a higher grade for their club that round.
“There are some issues there and we think we’re a good chance of being awarded the points and avoiding relegation,” he said.
The Metro Three South side tuned up for its finals clash with Southern United with a polished 4-0 win over Chadstone.
Blaine Cridge notched a double and Steve Randall and Michael Bannister, relishing a forward role, also scored.
In the women’s division, the State League Three outfit blew its chances of a home final by sharing the points with second-bottom club Knox in a 2-2 result.
Casey had many opportunities to score, but only Claire Rundell and Shara Cousens could convert.
The Cannons take on WestVic Hockey in an elimination final on Sunday.
The reserves rolled Doncaster 4-1 on the back of goals to Sue Barling, Sue Carr, Liz Nichol and Jo Shields.
They finished third and face Mornington in an elimination final on Saturday.
Metro Three South beat Knox 2-1 through goals to Caroline Houston and Sam Vasawailla, while Metro Four South won 5-0 on forfeit.