By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia Storm’s ladder-leading men’s side had an impressive 1-1 draw with Southern in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
It’s the first time Cardinia has found the back of the net since Sunday 19 May, with two 0-0 draws, a league-wide bye and opposition forfeit all contributing the scoring drought.
With the Storm going through a lull, coach Pete Turner removed himself from the action to provide communication and direction from the sidelines which proved a masterstroke with Cardinia better organised than in previous weeks.
His absence led to a different battery defending short corners, but they were able to keep out three of Southern’s four set plays.
Cardinia scored from a short corner of its own, Taylor Rae’s drag flick eluding the ‘keeper.
Nick Dzierbicki ran riot in the midfield, Harry Byron looked dangerous up forward while Rae showed his versatility.
Cardinia still has a five point buffer on second-placed Southern, remaining undefeated more than halfway through the season.
Meanwhile, the women’s side had a disappointing 6-1 loss to the undefeated Mentone, which sees it fall to sixth position on the table.
Elizabeth Fricke was the lone goal scorer.
