Grubbers handle Coutas to set up Grand Final rematch

OCEAN Grove has defeated Queenscliff to secure a spot in the Bellarine Netball League (BNL) Grand Final with a determined win over the Coutas, 53-35.

The Grubbers downed Queenscliff this afternoon (Saturday, September 2) for the second time in this year’s finals, again defeating Katrina Daws’ side by 18 goals in today’s Preliminary Final.

Ocean Grove made sure to get on the front foot early on, amassing a nine-goal lead by the first quarter intermission, 18-9.

The lead was extended in the second quarter to 14 as the Grubbers were determined to return to the BNL decider.

For the second week in a row, the Coutas found themselves with a sizeable deficit to come back from at half time, trailing 32-18 at the main break.

However, history did not repeat itself as Queenscliff’s deficit ballooned out to 20 scores at the final break with Ocean Grove comfortably ahead, 45-25.

Queenscliff grabbed a consolation prize in limiting the Grubbers to eight scores in the final term, but the damage had already been done.

Ocean Grove final margin of victory settled at 18 goals, setting up a repeat of last year’s decider with reigning premiers Geelong Amateur.

Rebecca O’Neill’s 39 goals again led the scoring for her and Candice Parker’s side, while Ashton O’Brien piled on an extra 13 in the win.

Georgia Finn, Kelsey Ollis, Georgia Ryan were named best on court for the Grubbers, while Queenscliff’s Amelia Bakker, Charli Nicol, and Sarah Langley were named the best for the Coutas.

Co-captain Kaitlin Gladman amassed 21 goals in the loss. Tess Campigli’s 14 goals made up Queenscliff’s remaining total.

The loss for Queenscliff ended a resurgent season that saw the town’s side play in its first A Grade final and win in the post-season for the first time in 30 years.

For Ocean Grove, it will again attempt to break its long-standing flag drought dating back to 2004.

Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur will again meet at Grinter Reserve with the winner to be named premiers of 2023.

Next Saturday’s Grand Final begins at 3.15pm.