Ammos lock in Grand Final return

GEELONG Amateur will defend its 2022 Bellarine Netball League (BNL) premiership in two weeks’ time, beating Ocean Grove 61-57 in Portarlington this afternoon (Saturday, August 26).

Ammos assumed early control of today’s Second Qualifying Final with the reigning premiers producing a 17-13 lead at the first break, led by shooter Ruby Watson.

Mel Savage’s side created a comfortable eight-goal buffer by half-time, 36-28, forcing the Grubbers to play catch-up in the second half.

Ocean Grove fought resiliently in the third and fourth terms, outscoring Geelong 29-25 in the latter two quarters and almost tying up the scoreline with a few minutes to spare, but ultimately fell short by four goals.

Ammos’ four-goal win cemented its spot in this year’s BNL Grand Final, while Ocean Grove will have to triumph in next week’s Preliminary Final if it is to set up a rematch with this year’s minor premiers.

Watson and scoring partner Darcy McFarlane were both named in the team’s best, with the attacking pair amassing 49 and 12 goals respectively. Georgia Duncan received kudos for her work in the midcourt.

Ocean Grove has bested Geelong Amateur only once out of three attempts in 2023.

Ammos enjoys a week off next weekend to await its opponent in the Grand Final, while the Grubbers meet the winner of tomorrow’s Semi Final between Queenscliff and Torquay.