By Justin Flynn
Ocean Grove sits second on the Bellarine Netball League A Grade ladder after successive victories against Modewarre and Newcomb.
The Grubbers had to work hard to put away a determined Newcomb on Saturday June 10, eventually winning 58 to 44.
Defender Mia Smith said the performance on Saturday wasn’t the Grubbers’ best for the season, but that they got the job done.
“I think the whole league is a lot stronger this year which is really nice,” she said.
“It probably wasn’t our strongest performance as a team but there were definitely patches where we played top grade netball.”
Ocean Grove’s defence, led by star goalkeeper Kelsey Ollis, has had a makeover this season with the injection of several new players.
“We pretty much had a whole new defensive end, but we’ve gelled quickly and we are fortunate enough to be able to rotate through four or five defenders,” 21-year-old Smith said.
Ollis, Laura Ritchie and Smith herself played superb games.
“She’s (Ritchie) a little jet and just plays with 100 percent intensity,” Smith said.
Ocean Grove meets Drysdale this weekend in a game it is expected to win although the Hawks are only two games outside the five.
“They will bring a level of physicality that we will have to be prepared for,” Smith said.
“They will come out really strong, it’s up to us to be matching their intensity and playing to our strengths.”
Tina Birch played her 250th game for the Grubbers last Saturday in the unbeaten D Grade side.
“It’s a pretty amazing feat to play 250 games, but also 250 at the one club,” Smith said.
“She’s definitely a big personality around the club. Everyone knows Tina and loves her.”
Geelong Amateur thrashed Barwon Heads in an ominous sign from the undefeated flag favourites while Portarlington defeated arch rivals Drysdale in a close game.
Torquay proved too good for Modewarre and Anglesea caused a minor upset by beating Queenscliff.
