By Jonty Ralphsmith
The Casey women’s hockey team recorded a 2-0 win over PEGS set up by a clinical first half.
Emma Harris scored both of her team’s goals prior to halftime, with one coming via a penalty corner and another through general play.
The Cannons had all the play in the first half and should have taken in an unassailable lead but their inefficiency kept PEGS in the game.
The hosts then came at Casey in the second half, but the women were able to withstand the pressure and maintain the scoreline.
While the Cannons had less control and possession, several defensive efforts prevented PEGS from having any really good looks.
Left-mid Bec Cheater played with control, even as the game got more frenetic, with her work rate being a key ingredient in the victory, while young Aleisha Daly was another who put forward a tireless performance.
Tegan Hyland’s experience also shone through.
The men, meanwhile, were outclassed 5-0 by PEGS, a pace-setter in the Vic League 1 competition.
PEGS scored at least one goal in each quarter as the Cannons were made to pay for lapses in concentration.
In between PEGS’ dominance, there were periods of play which pleased coach Steve Noney.
“”We saw plays and movements we’ve been working on start to come together,” Noney said.
“Our link-up play was quite good throughout, but defensively we have to get stronger and more settled.
“We had some good opportunities and attacking short corners with our play coming together later in the game.”
