By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia has taken it right up to ladder leaders Mentone but fallen just short in a 1-0 loss to break a four-game winning streak.
The goal came in the third quarter as the ball slipped past the defenders and goalkeeper Jordan McDonald, who held up well either side of that lapse.
Mentone had plenty of opportunities, but McDonald saved several shots on goal, with Ruby Wilson and Randeep Kaur also desperate to clear the ball from the backline.
Matilda Dillon and Alysha Hall both worked hard to get back and help out in defence, and each were key in giving their side some scoring opportunities – but the Storm was unable to capitalise.
The Storm face another big test after this week’s bye, hosting second-placed Waverley at Beaconhills College in Pakenham at 2pm on Sunday 9 July.
Results R10: Waverley 2 v MCC Hockey Section 0, Knox 2 v St Bede’s 0, Mentone 1 v Cardinia Storm 0, Monash University 0 v Hawthorn 1.
Ladder: Mentone 20, Waverley 19, St Bede’s 18, Cardinia Storm 17, Knox 15, Monash University 12, Hawthorn 7, MCC Hockey Section 4.
Fixture R11: St Bede’s v Mentone, Cardinia Storm v Waverley, Hawthorn v Knox, MCC Hockey Section v Monash University.
