By Blair Burns
It was a tough weekend for the Casey Cannons Hockey Club that managed to win just two of its eight matches with the teams looking to bounce back next week.
However, the fighting spirit was on display as the men salvaged two draws to split the points and keep themselves in the hunt.
The Men’s Vic League (MVL) 2 side produced a special performance to claim a big 5-3 win over Brunswick.
After a draw against Knox, the Cannons bounced back and controlled the game from the outset.
The MVL 2 Men’s Cannons are firming as a serious contender, now sitting in second position behind Werribee; the only side with a 3-0 record.
Cannons star Tristan Chaffey has started the year in fine form netting six goals in the first three games, including two on the weekend.
Captain Craig Moore also scored an important goal, while David Noney and Bryan Young also had moments of brilliance to find the back of the net.
The MVL 2 Reserves didn’t have everything go their way and were challenged by Brunswick with the game ending in a draw 1-1.
It was the team’s number 20, Rhylee Johnson, who scored the equaliser to tie things up and give the Cannons a chance at glory.
It was a similar story in the Men’s Pennant D South East competition as the Cannons drew with the Greater Dandenong Warriors at one goal apiece.
Matthew Robson scored the goal for the Cannons while his team worked hard to create opportunities and get ahead in the contest, but the battle ended in a draw.
While the Men’s Metro South 2 side was actually the only Casey Cannons men’s side to lose last weekend, but in saying that, there were plenty of positives.
The Greater Dandenong Warriors proved too strong, but it wasn’t one-way traffic as the Cannons gave themselves every chance to win the game, losing the thriller 2-1.
Spencer Stephens was the goal scorer for Casey Hockey Club and was rewarded for a consistent game, while other players continue to take strides in their development.
With the loss, the side has slipped to ninth on the ladder and the task won’t get any easier as they prepare to take on the top side Southern United next week, who is undefeated after three rounds.
The Women’s Pennant E South East side was the only female team to secure victory on the weekend, and what a huge win it was as they smashed Greater Dandenong 7-0.
The formidable side is looming as one of the teams to beat as it sits second on the ladder, yet to lose and with a huge 12 goals scored for.
Three players had outstanding games at the attacking end of the court as Jane Gipp (three goals), Lauren Symmons (two goals) and captain Fiona Young (two goals) scored heavily.
The trio made sure the Casey Cannons would record a huge win as they troubled the Dandenong goalkeeper time and time again.
In other women’s matches, the Women’s Vic League (WVL) side fell to Melbourne Uni 3-2, as Mikayla McDonald and Charlotte Smith scored the goals.
While the WVL 1 Reserves suffered a narrow 1-0 loss, also at the hands of Melbourne University.
To round out the matches, the Women’s Metro 1 side was outclassed by Cardinia Storm as it conceded four goals but couldn’t put any on the board in reply.
The Casey Hockey Club will welcome back all past players for a special lunch at the clubrooms this Saturday May 3 as former legends watch the future of the club in action.
