By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s men suffered its first defeat in seven weeks on Saturday, succumbing to a hot Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation (ECHO) 3-0 in the Men’s Vic League 2 competition.
While they didn’t emerge with the three points, there was still some positive in limiting ECHO’s scoring after their ability to find the back of the net at will in recent rounds.
A competitive first half was followed by a disappointing second half, the Cannons were forced to rely on depth players, particularly in defence due to the absences of Sean Dack and Jamie Shilliday.
Evan Rundell and Rhylee Johnson are among the players to have stood up and acclimatised to firsts hockey well in recent weeks, while Harry Coster and Tadhg McCurran are others to be given a taste of it throughout 2024.
“I think our overall view of the season is positive and there’s a squad mentality,” said coach Steve Noney.
“It feels like we’re building a bit of depth within the club so that’s a journey we’ll continue on.”
A major positive of 2024 has been the ability to get dangerous upfront and create scoring opportunities, with the lineup previously reliant on short corners for a greater portion of their goals than in 2024.
Tristan Chaffey gives them assurance from the set play, but skipper Craig Moore has 11 goals, mostly from the field, while Dave Noney is another who often looks dangerous.
Given the tightness of the season, Casey could finish anywhere from second and fourth depending on the results in the last week of the home-and-away season, with the Cannons to take on Yarra in Men’s Mental Health Round at Berwick Secondary College.
Yarra currently sits second on the table, with Casey drawing with them 2-2 earlier in 2024.
“I think we’ve developed pretty well,” Noney said.
“I honestly believe we’re one of the best teams in the competition and have the personnel and depth to match it with anyone in the comp.
“We’ve got the ability to manage games and get results accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Casey’s Vic League 1 women followed up a tight 4-3 loss to Mornington Peninsula with a commanding 7-0 victory over La Trobe University.
Sam Wagg scored four goals in the game against La Trobe and two in the midweek game against Mornington Peninsula.
The Cannons had seven of the game’s 10 short corners against Mornington Peninsula but was unable to take full toll, with Mornington Peninsula scoring the matchwinner with less than two minutes remaining.
Casey broke La Trobe University’s spirit in the second half, with the Cannons firing home six goals after the main break, including three in an intimidating four-minute period of the fourth term.
The Cannons sit sixth with one game remaining in the regular season, unable to move positions regardless of the result against the undefeated Toorak East Malvern on Saturday.
