By Dylan Beaumont
Cardinia Storm manufactured a flawless weekend with all three sides securing convincing victories without conceding a single goal across the board.
The men’s side travelled to Monash to face a tough, defensive side situated at 2-1 going into the match.
In a tight first half, Taylor Rea scored from a short corner to give the Storm a 1-0 lead, which was set in stone for the remainder of the match.
In the second half, forward pressure intensified and the Storm’s defence stayed strong.
Although late chances arose for Monash, they were squandered and time ran out.
The victory sets up an exciting top-of-the-table clash next week against the Collegians, who are 4-0.
The women’s side conjured a 2-0 victory, firming themselves as a top-four side.
From the outset Cardinia controlled the game, with overlapping runs and powerful drives through the midfield setting the tone.
In the second quarter they finally capitalised on their dominance, with Lauren Welsh converting a short corner to open the scoring.
In the second half, the younger players stepped up, with Lilly Kelly sealing the victory by scoring from the baseline.
The women’s side now play Southern United in round five, currently 1-1-2.
The Men’s Metro 2 team were able to secure a 3-0 win, with father-son duo Sam and Dan Albrecht scoring two of their three goals.
Riley Albrecht was named Player of the Match, showing his promising future.
They will play Mentone at Dandenong Hockey Centre, a pivotal clash for the standings.
Mentone is 2-2, sixth on the ladder, while the Storm are a place above them in fifth, with a record of 2-1-1.
