By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia’s men faced a big challenge on Saturday against Mentone, but got the job done 2-1.
After conceding an own goal early in the game, Casey tightened up defensively and were able to give themselves plenty of scoring opportunities.
Zena Nicholas levelled the scores in the second quarter before Adam Welcome converted a penalty stroke late in the third.
Down on rotations and out on their feet in the last quarter, Cardinia was still able to produce several scoring opportunities as they controlled play, and confidently defended several short corners.
“We identified who their key playmaker was and nullified his impact on the game – we slowed down our offence and a couple of players had to focus on defence after they scored first,” said coach Pete Turner.
“A couple of newer guys in the team played 100 per cent game time which will be good for their development.
“We made a few changes with our positions and were creative with our rotations.”
Playing in an unfamiliar midfield position, Tim Dredge led the momentum shift, while Dan Albrecht’s fitness came to the fore in the second half as he provided presence up front all game.
It sees Cardinia maintain top spot on the Men’s Metro 2 South ladder, three points and goal difference clear of second spot.
As well as scoring the most goals in the competition this season, the Storm have conceded just twice – the next tightest defence are Collegians and Mentone.
Meanwhile, the women’s unit had a 1-0 win over Frankston, with Randeep Kaur the goal-scorer to get their season up and running after a loss and two draws to open 2024.
It was a stylish result over an in-form opponent.
