By David Nagel
Cardinia Storm has remained undefeated in its inaugural season in Hockey Victoria’s Pennant D competition after fighting out a gruelling 1-1 draw with Knox at the Dandenong Hockey Centre on Sunday.
Trying to back up their round-one victory over Hawthorn, the Storm fell behind early in the contest with Tahlia Megele scoring a high goal over Storm goal-keeper Jordan McDonald’s pads.
But instead of deflating the Storm, the early goal against it saw Cardinia regroup as a unit and come back with more fight.
Cardinia levelled the score at 1-1, after utilising great teamwork and deflections by Mimi Clark and Rebecca Gregory, who was credited with the goal.
There were some nerve-wracking moments for the Storm, but some great defensive work from Vanessa Dillon, Ruby Wilson and Lauren Walsh saw multiple short-corners repelled.
Dillon, Wilson and Walsh had wonderful support from their teammates, holding Knox back from scoring a second goal after multiple nail-biting opportunities.
Although it was a tough game, in surprisingly hot and sunny conditions, Alysha Hall, Tilly Dillon and Bridie Dillon were amongst a group of players who pushed themselves to the limit.
With Cardinia’s cheer squad out in full force and supporting keenly from the side lines, the Storm maintained their composure to hold on for a steady draw.
The Storm now look forward to this Sunday’s epic match-up with Mentone, who sit equal on points with Cardinia in second place on the ladder.
Mentone had a 1-1 draw with Waverley in round one, before providing the round-two highlight with a 9-0 victory over MCC.
Locals looking to support the newest team in town can head to Beaconhills College in Pakenham for a 2pm start.
The Storm on Sunday included Jordan McDonald (Goal Keeper), Randeep Reetu, Ruby Wilson, Tilly Dillon, Alysha Hall, Jane Gipp, Teejay Peterson, Vanessa Dillon, Rebecca Gregory, Bridie Dillon, Lauren Walsh, Maddy Reincastle and Mimi Clark. Deb Jacobs (Coach).
Results R2: Knox 1 v Cardinia Storm 1, Hawthorn 1 v St Bede’s 4, Mentone 9 v MCC 0, Monash University 1 v Waverley 1.
Ladder: St Bede’s 6, Mentone, Knox, Cardinia Storm 4, Waverley 2, Monash Uni 1, Hawthorn, MCC 0.
Fixture R3: Cardinia Storm v Mentone, St Bede’s v Knox, MCC v Waverley, Hawthorn v Monash University.
