By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia’s men have established themselves as a genuine premiership threat in the Men’s Metro 2 South competition with a 5-1 victory over Glen Eira.
One of the strongest sides across recent years in the competition, Cardinia planned for their toughness, and once they adapted late in the first quarter, they had control of the contest.
Gareth Ventom scored the club’s first hattrick to lead the victory, winning two crucial one-on-ones which helped him find the back of the net and tapping one in with a lunging dive at the post.
Ben Quill dominated possession in the midfield, fullback Daniel Albrecht linked up well and provided overlap, while Harry Byron is incrementally improving his fundamentals.
“We want to be making statements each week so the win on the weekend was awesome,” said coach Peter Turner.
“We linked up, and beat the opposition at their own game: they played a longball game and we were able to cut them off and go long around them, using our speed.”
It maintains the men’s undefeated record, while the goal they conceded late in the third quarter is the first they have conceded this season, highlighting how well they have come together.
The women are still searching for their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw with Monash University.
Ash Burnett’s run down the left wing set up Bridie Dillon for the first of the game after the Storm controlled the first half.
Cardinia conceded late in the second half, with Burnett again popping up in a dangerous spot with her run in the dying seconds, but time ultimately elapsed before she could get her shot away.
In other news, three Cardinia juniors have been named to represent Victoria at the junior state championships.
Under-12s boys Luke Holland and Jake Bowen were both named, the latter the son of men’s player, James, while under-12s girls player Lilly Kelly, the daughter of playing members Peter Turner and Jacqui Kelly, was also selected.
Men’s captain Scott Burnett, meanwhile, will coach the under-14s girls side.
