The Cannons went down 4-2, but that's a vast improvement from the 10-nil thrashing it copped when these two sides last met.

The goals were secured by penalty corner expert Nick Hatch.

Coach Lawrie Edwards was pleased with his side's improved performance.

"We've come a long way from there (the 10-nil loss).

"We've got a big challenge next week against Old Xavarians. We need a win to assure us staying in state league three."

The Cannons are three points off the bottom of the ladder with one round to go.

Metro one east went down to Southern United 3-1, Josh Hondow scoring a classy goal.

The metro three south side made it two draws in a row with a nil-all result against ECHO. A win against Chadstone this week will secure third spot for the Cannons.

In the women's division, the firsts defeated Baw Baw in state league three, 3-nil, the goals being shared by Fiona Young, April Picton and Claire Rundell.

The Cannons have now all but sewn up fourth spot on the ladder with one round to go.