Unbeaten Grubbers face Torquay test

OCEAN Grove’s A grade team remains one of the only undefeated netball or football sides in the Geelong area.

The BFL reigning premier won its opening nine games but coach Mel Holmes knows there is no room for complacency, with a pack of teams chasing the Grubbers.

Geelong Amateur is on 32 premiership points, Queenscliff is on 28 and and Newcomb and Torquay are on 24 respectively.

The Grubbers and Tigers will meet for the first time this season tomorrow (Saturday, June 14) at 1.50pm at Shell Road Reserve.

The Round 10 clash shapes as a ripper, as Torquay just beat Newcomb by 10 goals.

“Anyone can push it to you on any day and if you have a couple of moments where you’re not focussed, they’ll take advantage of that,” Holmes said.

“It’s great having a strong competition for us each week, it pushes us to be better.”

Holmes shed light on what had been working well for the Grubbers.

“It’s the culture we’re creating. I know a lot of clubs would say that, but the girls really enjoy each other’s company and really like winning,” she said.

“So it’s a good combination of having fun, working hard and we’ve all got the same end goal. I think that’s been a real key.

“And having Amanda O’Malley, our recruit, she’s added some height, but she’s added some real voice and maturity and I think that’s been wonderful as well.”

Ocean Grove beat Portarlington 62-35 last weekend after leading 17-7 at quarter-time.

Holmes was thrilled with the result considering the Grubbers were without co-captains Zanna Woods (fractured elbow) and Emily Moroney, who landed on her coccyx in recent weeks.

“It doesn’t matter who’s on the court, they’re getting the job done and know what’s expected,” she said.