Casey Cannons’ Bryan Young runs into Werribee goalkeeper Aaron Durajski in the Cannons’ 1-0 premiership victory. 87149 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
FOR the first time in their history, the Casey Cannons Hockey Club hoisted three senior mens premierships to cap off a fantastic season.
The State League Three side accounted for Werribee, 1-0, to avenge their 1-2 semi final loss to the Tigers two weeks ago.
It was a lightning start for both sides with Werribee having first chance, a penalty corner drag flick hitting the post.
Casey then won a penalty corner of its own and a saved Matt Light drag flick was buttered up by Steve MaCumber for the goal that ultimately decided the match.
The Cannons had to hold on for victory, with none of their chances in the second half going to hand.
“We had the majority of the play and became a bit of a defensive struggle in the end,” Guastella said. “Didn’t really take our chances when they were there, but our defensive group helped out when it was there.
“We attacked a fair bit at the start of the second half and couldn’t get the goals in the latter half we really had to defend it out to hold the lead.”
Guastella said he was impressed with Matt Light’s defensive work rate, the brilliant attacking work of MaCumber and some great keeping from Matt Holloway to keep a clean-sheet.
On Saturday, Casey’s Metro One South East side beat Old Xaverians 4-1.
The game was scoreless at half time and the first goal went to Old Xavs after the break.
That spurred the Cannons into action. Scott Daley scrambled the equaliser and Jarryd Beckwith’s bobbled corner strike made it 2-1.
Craig Moore then produced the moment of the match with a blistering tomahawk set up by Liam Alards.
Moore then put the result beyond doubt with a late goal after Old Xavs dragged their keeper.
The Metro Three South Cannons defeated arch-rival Mornington 3-1 to win their flag.
The floodgates finally opened for striker Stuart Dowel, who scored twice before half time.
Mornington came out hard after the main break and scored early, but a goal to Pete Turner, set up by best afield Dowel was the straw that broke Mornington’s back.
The coach believes it will go down as the best day in Cannons’ history and stands as a good turnaround for Casey after narrowly losing last season in extra time.
“Fantastic feeling to win,” Guastella said.
“Relief after just missing out in extra time last year.
To have all the senior mens’ teams get across the line so for the club it’s probably the biggest day in the club’s history and it was our first state league premiership.”
“The victory means a lot to the club, we were well supported after winning two flags the day before, it was a really big weekend for the club so it was great to get the job done in the end.” he said.
