Ocean Grove takes major first step in flag defence

Zanna Woods made a grand return to the BNL Finals Series. Photos: MARCEL BERENS/SPORTS MEDIA IMAGES

OCEAN Grove has cemented itself as a Bellarine Netball League (BNL) premiership contender following a dominant 70-41 win over Queenscliff in yesterday’s (Saturday, August 17) First Qualifying Final.

The Grubbers, in the hunt to repeat as BNL premiers in 2024, handled the Coutas with ease in Portarlington yesterday, making the most of a 40-17 first half scoreline to set up a clash next week with minor premiers Geelong Amateur.

Ocean Grove got out to an eight-goal first quarter lead, sharpshooting duo Bec O’Neill and Zanna Woods beginning their assault on Queenscliff’s defence from the get-go.

Queenscliff’s Kaitlin Gladman (right) held her own, despite a formidable effort from Ocean Grove’s defenders.

The lead quickly blew out to 23 with Ocean Grove’s defenders, bolstered by Jessica Leader, limiting the Coutas’ scoring to just 17 goals in the first half.

Ocean Grove outscored Queenscliff 30-24 in the second half to complete the 29-goal rout, with a chance to feature in this year’s Grand Final now on the line.

O’Neill led the way for the victors with 44 goals, Woods chipped in with 25, and Arlee Bennett added a single goal.

For Queenscliff, co-captain Kaitlin Gladman finished with 26 goals, Tess Orvis had a dozen, and Jessica Cox finished with three.

Leader, O’Neill and Woods were all deserved named best on court for Ocean Grove, and Gladman, Shaiden Smith and Keely Kinsey were named the same for Queenscliff.

Bec O’Neill was lethal around the net for Ocean Grove.

Ocean Grove head coach Mel Holmes and her side will face the Ammos in the Second Qualifying Final back in Portarlington, with the winner to earn a spot in this year’s BNL Grand Final.

Queenscliff will face the winner of this afternoon’s Elimination Final between Torquay and Newcomb in the Semi-Final on August 25.

Check out our photos below taken by Marcel Berens.