Grubbers’ flag defence begins against familiar foe

FIVE teams remain in the hunt for Bellarine Netball League (BNL) premiership glory, with week 1 of this year’s finals to begin in Portarlington tomorrow (Saturday, August 17) afternoon.

With Geelong Amateur securing the minor premiership and a week off following an undefeated home and away campaign, Ocean Grove will start its flag defence against a familiar post-season opponent in Queenscliff.

First-season Grubbers head coach Mel Holmes said her group was excited to begin their premiership defence following a gutsy two-point win over Anglesea in Round 18.

“It was great to have that last game of the season, we got to throw things around a little bit, we were without Rebecca O’Neill, and it allowed some of our other players to gain some valuable experience.

“Bec will definitely play in the first week of finals against Queenscliff and it comes off being announced as a member of the team of the half-century at the club’s celebration last weekend.

“We’ll also have Jess Leader who has integrated seamlessly into the squad since joining earlier in the season and Zanna Woods playing some awesome netball at the moment since her return from a foot injury a few weeks ago.”

Ocean Grove has bested Queenscliff both times the two sides have met in 2024.

The Grubbers downed the Coutas in a 57-55 win in Round 1, before doubling up in Round 11 with a 55-63 win in Queenscliff, not to mention defeating the Coutas twice last year finals campaign on its way to the premiership.

Holmes knows the Coutas are still a formidable foe, led by two-time league best and fairest Kaitlin Gladman.

“Queenscliff is a really up and coming young team, so we have our work cut out for us,” she said.

“Our two wins over them this season certainly gives us confidence, but we’re certainly not walking into Portarlington thinking we’re going to walk over them.”

Torquay and Newcomb will take the main court this Sunday, August 18 in the Elimination Final to cut the finals pool down to four. Both BNL games this weekend begin at 2.30pm.