By Jonty Ralphsmith
The Casey Cannons women have made a statement in their round one match against Brunswick.
The Cannons, coming up a division after breezing to the Vic League 2 premiership last year, defeated Brunswick 5-1, which was a premiership contender in the competition last year.
It was a consistent effort across the four quarters with the only blemish being a minor lapse in the third.
However, the defence, led by Jenna McLauchlan, held up staunchly to ensure Brunswick never got within a goal.
Two goals, after that period on the back foot, lifted the margin to four goals in favour of the visitors.
As well as McLauchlan, fellow newcomers Mikayla and Skye McDonald each hit the scoreboard and fit in to the team seamlessly.
The men, meanwhile, went down 7-2 to the same opponent.
The match proved a similar litmus test for them, given Brunswick is a team that has spent several seasons in the premier division.
That discrepancy in class was on show on the weekend as the Cannons played well, but ultimately downed 7-2 by a more well-drilled and disciplined opponent.
Club debutantes Gurpreet Singh and Harry Coster each hit the scoreboard, with both set up by Matt Light who showed signs of what he can do when there were offensive opportunities.
Singh’s goal came courtesy of a skilful overhead toss into the circle, while Light set Coster up from long range, with Coster then able to outwit and drag it around the goalkeeper in a one-on-one.
Defender Cam Ritchie, a returning player, was another who played well throughout the day.
