BNL final five finalised ahead of Round 18

TWO new teams will feature in this season’s Bellarine Netball League A Grade finals series with all five sides confirmed heading into the last round of the season.

Queenscliff (48 points) has been the BNL’s surprise climber in 2023, improving from a four-win 2022 season to locking up third place in 2023. If Queenscliff defeats Ocean Grove this week, it will be its 13th win of the year.

Ocean Grove and Queenscliff will face each other two weeks in a row.

The two sides, who will finish second and third respectively, will also play in the double-chance qualifying final next weekend in Portarlington.

Last season’s minor premiers Torquay (40 points) will not get the luxury of a second chance in 2023. The Tigers will play finals newcomers Barwon Heads in this season’s elimination final regardless of the final round result against Portarlington tomorrow (Saturday, August 12).

Barwon Heads (40 points) will play host to Newcomb in Round 18 at home.

Reigning premiers Geelong Amateur (64 points) will get the chance to defend its flag with the added benefit of a week off following its Round 18 clash with Drysdale this weekend.

Ammos, on 16 wins and one loss, is celebrating goal shooter Ruby Watson achieving the rare 1,000-goal milestone, which could provide the side with an added boost of confidence heading into the post-season campaign.

Ocean Grove (60 points), last year’s runners-up, could still tie Ammos on points if they defeat Queenscliff, but the gap in percentage is too wide for the Grubbers to claim the minor premiership.

Last year’s finalist Drysdale (20 points) and Modewarre (two points) will go back to the drawing board in preparation for 2024.

Modewarre, winless with one draw, will hope to secure its first victory of 2023 in the final week of the season, and will take on Anglesea (28 points) at home.

Newcomb (28 points) will conclude 2023 just outside of the top five, while Portarlington (10 points) will finish ninth.