By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s women have opened up a four-point gap between themselves and eighth-placed Brunswick following a 3-1 victory over Mornington on Saturday.
Sam Wagg was the star, scoring a hattrick, with two of her goals from the Cannons’ only two short corners of the game underscoring their increased synergy from the set play, while her third was via a penalty stroke.
After racing out of the blocks and threatening early in the match, Casey conceded the first goal of the game as Mornington got them on a break away.
It was a rare lapse from the staunch defence, however, led as usual by Michaela Bullock and Tegen Hyland, while their pressure allowed them to dominate territory.
“Our forward line press worked really well,” said coach Andrew Harris.
“We got lots of forward half turnovers which we’ve worked on at training and it came through on the weekend.”
Cardinia led 2-1 at halftime before a slight stutter early in the third following an injury to Emma Harris, but Cardinia was able to steady and hold on for a strong win.
Meanwhile, the men had a 4-3 loss to Craigieburn with Tristan Chaffey (two) and David Noney the goal scorers.
It sees them fall to fifth position, but they remain just a win away from second.
