Grubbers toast 50-year milestone

MORE than 60 people gathered at Shell Road to toast 50 years of the Ocean Grove Netball Club.

Last Sunday’s 50-year celebration event featured plenty of memorabilia including the winning premiership cups, team photos and the evolution of the club’s netball outfits.

The club also announced its team of the past 50 years and presented selected players with a plaque in recognition of their efforts.

The 12 players to receive selection were Julie Ray, Bec O’Neill, Tracey Thorley, Zanna Woods, Elyse Scott, Kerri Heard, Sheryl Gray, Candice Parker, Kate Lynch, Paula Birch, Kelsey Ollis and Emily Moroney.

Ocean Grove FNC life member and event organiser Lorraine Birch said the celebrations were enjoyed by all.

“It was just a fantastic day, and a great opportunity for us as a club to thank everyone for their amazing contributions on and off the court.

“We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces at the event and also many people who we may not have seen for a long period of time.

“There was plenty of laughs and great stories to go around.”

Ms Birch said it was incredibly tough for the committee to select the 12 players to make the illustrious 50-year team squad.

“It was a pleasure to present our twelve players with their plaques.

“We’ve had many good players over the journey and it was great to see representation from each decade in the team, including some of our current players like Zanna, Kelsey and Emily.

“It’s been a successful 50 years for the club, and hopefully more success is to come.”