Chasing pack aims to close BNL gap

OCEAN Grove and Geelong Amateur are the clear front runners in the BNL A grade competition, but the question remains whether the other teams can make up ground in the remaining five rounds before finals.

Reigning premier Ocean Grove has been challenged this season, which suggests it won’t be cruisy to the end.

They got over Newcomb by six goals after trailing by seven at half-time in Round 4.

They then survived a late charge from Queenscliff the following week.

Drysdale has lifted as pushes to make finals. Photo: MICHEAL CHAMBERS

Torquay, who are now led by former Australian Diamond Madison Browne, perhaps gave them the biggest scare.

The Tigers led by four goals at three-quarter-time before losing by three.

According to coach Mel Holmes, the Grubbers’ strength lies in their strong culture and camaraderie.

Goal keeper recruit Amanda O’Malley, from Werribee Centrals, has added voice and maturity to the team chasing a three-peat.

Apart from losing 51-35 to Ocean Grove, Geelong Ammos has had a dominant season with teams rarely coming within 15 goals of them.

Ocean Grove has been the benchmark again this season. Photo: MICHEAL CHAMBERS

Ammos started well against the Grubbers in Round 7 but fell away in the second half.

They will no doubt be going to work on how they play Ocean Grove, the team they lost to in last year’s grand final.

Queenscliff, Torquay, Newcomb, Drysdale and Portarlington are in the chasing pack.

The Coutas’ 74-42 loss to Ocean Grove in Round 12 suggests they are a bit behind the benchmark at the moment.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury to co-captain and goal attack Kaitlin Gladman against Torquay in Round 8 was a massive blow.

Queenscliff is working to stay in the race for a top three spot. Photo: MICHEAL CHAMBERS

With Newcomb, Modewarre, Portarlington and Anglesea among their coming opponents; they remain in the hunt for a top three spot.

Torquay appear to be building toward finals, with strong performance since they lost to Queenscliff in Round 8.

They accounted for fellow finals fancy Newcomb by 10 goals before pushing Ocean Grove to the end.

They have winnable games coming up before the hardest run home with Ammos, the Coutas and the Grubbers to finish off the home and away rounds.

Torquay is building toward finals. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

Newcomb coach Lisa Robinson wants to see her group knock off a premiership contender and they’ll get three goes at it across the next block of games with Queenscliff, the Grubbers and Ammos waiting.

A 13-goal win against Torquay in Round 2 was a highlight.

Meanwhile, Drysdale was arguably the most in-form team in June with wins against Modewarre, Barwon Heads, Queenscliff and Anglesea.

Experienced mid-season recruit Bree Cail, a former Bell Park and Daylesford netballer, has been a revelation at goal shooter.

Geelong Ammos are putting together a strong BNL A grade season. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

Portarlington is another team that can’t afford to drop games in the run home if they are to sneak into the five.

A four-goal win against Newcomb in June showed they can beat teams above them.

In Round 14, Queenscliff play Newcomb, Drysdale take on Ammos, Modewarre duel Torquay, Barwon Heads face Ocean Grove and Portarlington battle Anglesea.