Cardinia Storm’s Women’s Metro 1 South team was the only side to win last weekend, narrowly defeating Collegians-X, 3-1 in Round 15.
Despite being without a bench and being forced to field a number of injured players, the Storm brought intensity and a competitive performance to win.
Zena Nicholas was a game-changer, scoring two of the goals to put her side in the box seat and ensure Cardinia claimed another victory.
Madeleine Reincastle, a huge inclusion after returning from interstate, produced a moment of brilliance to seal the win.
It was a strong team effort from the Storm, who will now shift their focus to next week’s challenge against Mornington, to be played at Beaconhills College, Pakenham.
In the Men’s Metro 1 South competition, Cardinia played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Hawthorn to remain in third position on the ladder.
It was a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, with neither side able to gain clear control.
Cardinia started the game perfectly, as Scott Burnett set up birthday boy Taylor Rae for an easy goal to start proceedings.
But the visiting side soon responded to tie the scores at 1-1, and it remained a tight battle which could go either way.
Burnett soon decided that he would take matters into his own hands, as he found the back of the net to take the lead once again.
The Storm were surging late in the game but the Hawthorn goalkeeper stood tall in defence and produced some brilliant saves to salvage a draw for his team.
Cardinia remains in third position with nine wins this season and will hope to find some form in the final regular season games before finals.
Not often will a team take as many positives out of a 0-0 draw as the Cardinia Storm players did in the Men’s Metro 2 South competition.
Having just 10 players against Mornington, the Storm were always going to be up against it, but they fought until the end.
The team defended fiercely, attacked with speed and created many scoring chances with the dominance across the pitch.
Both sides sit on six wins this season, so holding Mornington scoreless – despite missing key players – felt like a win for Cardinia.
Daniel Cullen was impressive in the draw, inspiring his team and creating some great attacking chains.
Despite not getting a win, the draw was a heroic effort from the Storm, showcasing the spirit and unity of the team, and the club.
Cardinia will take on Mentone this weekend at Beaconhills College looking to bounce back after the 3-1 loss earlier in the season.
