Tigers one win away from Grand Final return

TORQUAY’S momentum built over the past two months has put them at the doorstep of another Bellarine Netball League (BNL) Grand Final for the first time since 2019.

Tigers A Grade coach Sonia Harris says there is a “real belief” amongst her squad ahead of today’s (Saturday August 31) Preliminary Final against Ocean Grove, which has not lost since Round 13 and pushed through the Semi-Final with a one-point win over Queenscliff.

“We’ve had a real good second half of the year and have just continued that good form,” Harris said.

“Finals is just a whole different ball game and I’ve been really impressed with how the girls have come together and handled the pressure.”

Elisa Hall has played out of her skin over the past two finals, scoring a combined 72 goals across both the Elimination Final against Newcomb and last Sunday against the Coutas.

Hall and Harris embraced following the one-goal thriller, where Harris took a moment to praise Hall’s efforts in a season that have proved huge in terms of development for the shooter.

“Elisa has started to believe that she does have potential, and she can be a big-game player, and that’s what I told her after Sunday’s win,” Harris said.

“Understanding that just because something does not go your way, like getting a whistle called on you or you don’t rip that ball in, you need to move on and she’s been doing that really well this season, more particularly these finals.”

Ocean Grove now must find a way to defeat Torquay this afternoon, following last Saturday’s loss to Geelong Amateur.

Harris knows Ocean Grove will come out firing today and will look to her leaders to lead by example in the must-win contest.

“Ocean Grove and Ammos have been the sides to beat all year, so we just need to continue on what we’ve been doing and focusing on our strengths, how we want to player the game and what we want out of it. That’s how we’ll approach this week, for sure.”

The Preliminary Final between Ocean Grove and Torquay at Leopold Memorial Reserve begins at 2.30pm.