Ocean Grove overcame the loss of bookends Arlee Bennett and Amanda O’Malley to come from behind and defeat Torquay in a thrilling Bellarine Netball League game on Saturday and will go into the finals with winning form.
After losing to Geelong Amateur in round 17 and being eight goals up at three-quarter time, the Grubbers were just a bit better when it counted most to win 53 to 51.
Goaler Bennett withdrew from the clash with illness while defender O’Malley is nursing an injured ankle that could sideline her for this week’s qualifying final clash against Queenscliff.
While Ocean Grove had nothing to play in the sense of ladder position, coach Mel Holmes said the win was the confidence booster her team needed.
“Bouncing back from the disappointing fourth quarter last week, I think for us it was a good sign,” she said.
“We had nothing to play for in that sense, but more about our pride and resilience leading into finals. We were disappointed with last week and we had to redeem ourselves a bit.
“It was tough conditions for both sides. I think it was the mental edge that we knew we needed to be resilient and have the ability to come from behind. The week before, obviously we were up and then we lost it. Whereas this week we had to fight and I was proud of the girls for doing that. I asked them to dig deep and they did.”
Bennett’s absence meant Ashton O’Brien slotted back into goal attack and combined brilliantly with Zanna Woods.
“Ashton would be a walk-up start in any other team,” Holmes said.
“It’s a good option to have. I’ve got three very solid options in there. All play differently.”
Captain Emily Moroney has had two full games back from a spine fracture and Gemma Bell is the team’s Miss Fix-It, playing goal defence in O’Malley’s absence as well as being able to rotate through wing defence.
Holmes praised the performance of B Grade regular Emma Jones, who came on at half-time to play goal defence, freeing up Bell to a wing.
“Emma Jones came on and had a crack and got a crucial intercept,” Holmes said.
“She was really amazing for us and given they’ve not played together, her and (goal keeper) Georgia (Berry) did really well.”
The Grubbers take on Queenscliff in the qualifying final on Saturday with the winner progressing to the preliminary final against Geelong Amateur while the loser will meet the winner of Torquay vs Newcomb.
Tall defender O’Malley’s fitness now becomes an issue with the Coutas boasting two tall, and very good, goalers in Phoebe Knox and Tess Orvis.
“We turn our attention now to Queenscliff and that’ll be really interesting,” Holmes said.
“The last time we played them they didn’t have a full team, but they’ll be at full.
strength. I don’t know if we will be, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
BELLARINE NETBALL LEAGUE FINALS
Qualifying finals at Portarlington Recreation Reserve
Saturday August 23
A Grade: Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff at 2.30pm
B Grade: Ocean Grove vs Drysdale at 1pm
C Grade: Torquay vs Portarlington at 11.50am
D Grade: Torquay vs Geelong Amateur at 10.40am
E Grade: Ocean Grove vs Barwon Heads at 2.05pm
19 & Under: Portarlington vs Geelong Amateur at 10.40am
17 & Under Division 1: Geelong Amateur vs Torquay at 9.35am
17 & Under Division 2: Geelong Amateur vs Torquay at 1pm
15 & Under Division 1: Torquay vs Queenscliff at 11.50am
15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Drysdale at 8.30am
13 & Under Division 1: Geelong Amateur vs Drysdale at 9.35am
13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Torquay at 8.30am
Elimination finals at Portarlington Recreation Reserve
Sunday August 24
A Grade: Torquay vs Newcomb at 2.30pm
B Grade: Anglesea vs Modewarre at 1pm
C Grade: Geelong Amateur vs Barwon Heads at 11.50am
D Grade: Queenscliff vs Ocean Grove at 10.40am
E Grade: Torquay vs Modewarre at 2.05pm
19 & Under: Torquay vs Queenscliff at 10.40am
17 & Under Division 1: Anglesea vs Portarlington at 9.35am
17 & Under Division 2: Drysdale vs Portarlington at 1pm
15 & Under Division 1: Modewarre vs Portarlington at 11.50am
15 & Under Division 2: Barwon Heads vs Geelong Amateur at 8.30am
13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove vs Barwon Heads at 9.35am
13 & Under Division 2: Drysdale vs Newcomb at 8.30am
