By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia Storm had a hard fought 0-0 draw with Monash University at Clayton on Sunday.
Each side had periods of ascendancy and shots on target, but both defences were staunch in holding out the attacks and absorbing the pressure.
Ruby Wilson was an important part of that defence, while Matilda Dillon got back and helped out and was also able to connect with the likes of Rebecca Gregory going the other way.
It was a game Cardinia could not afford to lose, with sixth-placed Monash university sitting just two points behind them on the ladder coming into the match.
It was their ability to synchronise and connect going forward which provides optimism that the Storm will be able to play strong hockey in the last five weeks of the home-and-away season in a charge to finals.
The club’s juniors also had their first games on the weekend.
In front of much support from senior players, the under-10s and under-12s both lost 2-0, to Greater Dandenong Warriors and KBH Brumbies respectively.
Results: Knox 3 v Mentone 0, Hawthorn 0 v Waverley 1, St Bede’s 9 v MCC Hockey Section 0, Monash University 0 v Cardinia Storm 0.
Ladder: Mentone 23, Waverley 25, St Bede’s 24, Knox 21, Cardinia 21, Monash University 19, Hawthorn 7, MCC Hockey Section 4
Fixture: Cardinia v St Bede’s, Waverley v Knox, MCC Hockey Section v Hawthorn, Mentone v Monash University
