By Blair Burns
It was a huge Round 5 of action for the Casey Cannons Hockey Club as the teams performed well across the board to record nine wins, two draws and two losses.
A staggering 46 goals were scored for the Cannons this weekend as the club’s most prolific goal scorers put together some amazing performances.
The Women’s Vic League (WVL) side had an important victory over West Vic, winning 4-3 in a match that had it all.
The Cannons shared the scoring load around with four individual goal scorers, as Samantha Wagg, Mikayla McDonald, Samantha Dobrich and Mikaela Davis all had an impact.
West Vic is yet to win a game in the WVL1 competition, but Casey finds itself in fifth on the ladder with a solid 3-1-3 record.
It was a low-scoring affair in the WVL1 Reserves competition as the Cannons fired once, and that’s all they needed to win the match 1-0.
It was Skye McDonald who scored the only goal for the game as the young star continues her strong start to the season with four goals to her name.
McDonald will also be competing in the 2025 Junior Country Championships this month for West Gippsland in the Under-18 section.
The Women’s Pennant E South East team had a 1-1 draw with MCC, as Jane Gipp scored for the Cannons.
While the Women’s Metro 1 side did enough to defeat the Collegians 3-2 in a game that went right down to the wire.
Kiara Gilbert, Jessica Hogan and Emily Noney were the difference as they each scored once throughout the game.
In the men’s hockey, the MVL2 team had an impressive victory over the Melbourne High School Old Boys as the Cannons fired on all cylinders to win 5-2.
Tristan Chaffey may as well be called ‘Mr Reliable’, because the star delivered again in spades, scoring three goals in the win.
While Bryan Young was damaging as well as he scored the other two goals to help his side to a comfortable victory.
Casey is on top of the ladder in this division and is the only team yet to lose a match with four wins and one draw, and an 87 per cent winning ratio.
In what was almost an exact replay of the MVL2 match, the Reserves side also won 5-2 against Melbourne High School Old Boys.
Elliot Stephens led the way for the Cannons with two goals, while William Stephens, Adam Shilliday and Ryan Pruscino all scored.
The team was well assisted thanks to the great leadership from captain Blake Edwards.
In the Men’s Pennant D South East competition, the Cannons had a 3-3 draw with Camberwell Hockey Club in a thrilling contest.
It was a big day for the Stephens’ family as Spencer also scored a goal in this match, while Tyler Jacobs and Zach Coster found the back of the net.
It was probably a game that Casey would’ve liked to win, given Camberwell is yet to win a game this season – the Cannons now have two wins, two draws and a loss this season.
Men’s Metro South 2 side had a tough outing against Collegians as they went down 5-1 in a one-sided match.
Chiraag Vara scored the only goal for the Cannons as they fell to their fourth loss of the season, to sit down in 10th spot on the ladder.
But the team will look to bounce back and bring its best next week against OHA Hockey Club who also only has one win this season.
This weekend is Women’s and Girl’s Round at Casey Hockey Club and the club will turn pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Australia.
There will be a guest speaker during the week and the club is looking to raise more money than ever, so make sure you get down and support the cause.
