By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s women have concluded a brutal block of three games in seven days with two wins and a loss.
After accounting for Knox 3-1 last Saturday, the Cannons went down 2-0 to Melbourne University on Tuesday and followed that up with a 1-0 victory over La Trobe University.
Despite the result, coach Andrew Harris was most satisfied with the hockey the women played in the 2-0 loss to Melbourne University.
Casey’s ability to match it with a team which was last season in Vic Premier League reinforced to the club that the style of hockey they’re playing can match it with the best.
It was an even tussle with Melbourne University’s ability to capitalise on their opportunities influential in the result.
“The team from Premier League play at a higher pace and are used to playing against fitter and more skilful sides,” Harris explained.
“We adapted well and our pressure was at the highest level we’ve seen all season – we didn’t give away uncontested possession.”
Saturday’s game against 11th-placed La Trobe shaped as one Casey needed to bank and they were able to do so but faded as the game went on.
The Cannons got the only goal of the day via a short corner late in the first quarter after dominating proceedings early, before it evened up and the backline was forced to defend a series of late circle entries from the visitors.
The coach praised the team’s positional flexibility on Saturday and highlighted the efforts of goalkeeper Sarah Sutton-McLellan and midfielders Sam Wagg and Leandra McLauchlan.
Casey currently sit seventh, two points behind sixth-placed Monash University ahead of an enormous test against the undefeated Toorak East Malvern.
Meanwhile, the men had a 5-1 win over Melbourne High School Old Boys, with Tristan Chaffey and captain Craig Moore scoring two each and Vishal Vishal also finding the back of the net.
The Cannons currently sit second on the table, but just two points separates them from seventh-placed Knox in a tight season.
