{"id":92508,"date":"2024-08-18T04:00:26","date_gmt":"2024-08-17T18:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/?p=92508"},"modified":"2024-08-17T23:36:53","modified_gmt":"2024-08-17T13:36:53","slug":"ocean-grove-takes-major-first-step-in-flag-defence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/sport\/ocean-grove-takes-major-first-step-in-flag-defence\/","title":{"rendered":"Ocean Grove takes major first step in flag defence"},"content":{"rendered":"

OCEAN Grove has cemented itself as a Bellarine Netball League (BNL) premiership contender following a dominant 70-41 win over Queenscliff in yesterday\u2019s (Saturday, August 17) First Qualifying Final.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ocean Grove got out to an eight-goal first quarter lead, sharpshooting duo Bec O\u2019Neill and Zanna Woods beginning their assault on Queenscliff\u2019s defence from the get-go.<\/p>\n

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Queenscliff’s Kaitlin Gladman (right) held her own, despite a formidable effort from Ocean Grove’s defenders.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The lead quickly blew out to 23 with Ocean Grove\u2019s defenders, bolstered by Jessica Leader, limiting the Coutas\u2019 scoring to just 17 goals in the first half.<\/p>\n

Ocean Grove outscored Queenscliff 30-24 in the second half to complete the 29-goal rout, with a chance to feature in this year\u2019s Grand Final now on the line.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neill led the way for the victors with 44 goals, Woods chipped in with 25, and Arlee Bennett added a single goal.<\/p>\n

For Queenscliff, co-captain Kaitlin Gladman finished with 26 goals, Tess Orvis had a dozen, and Jessica Cox finished with three.<\/p>\n

Leader, O\u2019Neill 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.<\/p>\n

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Bec O’Neill was lethal around the net for Ocean Grove.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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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\u2019s BNL Grand Final.<\/p>\n

Queenscliff will face the winner of this afternoon’s Elimination Final between Torquay and Newcomb in the Semi-Final on August 25.<\/p>\n

Check out our photos below taken by Marcel Berens.<\/strong><\/p>\n