BNL race down to two as Ocean Grove wins prelim

AN early breakout by Ocean Grove in the first half was enough to fend off a resilient Torquay outfit 54-49 in today’s (Saturday, August 27) Preliminary Final, setting up a Grand Final blockbuster with Geelong Amateur.

The Grubbers led 27-17 after two quarters at Grinter Reserve, allowing little room to move for Torquay.

Tigers coach Sonia Harris inspired her side to win the next two quarters of play, however, it was not enough on the day, eventually going down by five goals.

It was a regular 39-goal haul for Rebecca O’Neill backed up by her partner in crime Ashton O’Brien, who had a humble 15 scores next to her name.

Kelsey Ollis and Georgia Ryan received best-on-court recommendations during the match alongside O’Neill for the Grubbers.

Torquay’s scorers comprised Daisy O’Kane’s 31 goals, Rhian Moresi’s 15 goals and Julia Allan-Goodwin’s three goals.

O’Kane, Lauren Berridge and Sarah Cameron had best-on-courts bestowed upon them despite the loss.

Ocean Grove will get its chance at redemption when it counts, losing to Geelong Amateur in the first qualifying final two weeks ago 45-49.

The Grubbers and Ammos finished second and third during the regular season with records of 16-2 and 15-3 respectively, setting up one of the most highly anticipated grand finals in recent years.

This year’s BNL Grand Final on September 3 at Grinter Reserve will begin at 3.15pm.