Cardinia Storm hosted Collegians in a highly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash in the Men’s Metro 1 South competition and neither side was able to come away with the points, as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
It was déjà vu from the last time the sides met back in Round 5 which ended in a 2-2 draw, as they were again tied on the scoreboard after the match.
Storm made some positional changes coming into the match, shifting players around to create some different looks and combinations on the field.
It was hoped that the strategy would increase player versatility, but unfortunately it wasn’t going to plan in the first half as Cardinia struggled to generate any good scoring opportunities.
As a result, Collegians looked the better side in the first half and managed to put a bit of scoreboard pressure on the home side, taking a 2-0 lead into half time with two deflection goals.
But the second half belonged to the Storm as they came out with energy and enthusiasm, determined to get themselves back into the game.
The side quickly transitioned the ball from a defensive short corner to a coast-to-coast attack, getting its first goal of the day.
Another was soon to follow, tying the scores at 2-2, before Collegians responded with a goal of its own to reclaim the lead 3-2.
In the dying stages of the game and just five minutes remaining, Cardinia Storm netted its third goal of the day to secure a draw in the thrilling contest.
Taylor Rae (two goals) produced a brilliant individual performance for the Storm, while Scott Burnett also found the back of the net.
In the Men’s Metro 2 South competition, Southern Hockey Club forfeited the match to hand the Storm a 5-0 victory.
In the women’s game, Cardinia went down 1-0 but gave it their all as the team took it up to a strong Casey side.
The Storm moved the ball with speed and took control of the contest, linking up well and effectively switching the play.
The dominant possession continued in favour of the home side, however, Casey’s goalkeeper was a fortress and let nothing past.
Lilly Kelly was a standout for the Storm as she provided plenty of drive and carried the ball well, troubling her opponents.
Casey scored the only goal of the game in the third quarter, which proved to be the match-winning moment despite both sides battling hard to score until the final whistle.
