Coutas eliminate Torquay as dream season continues

L-R: Queenscliff goaler Kaitlin Gladman and Torquay defender Bridget Aughton respond to a call. Photos: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

QUEENSCLIFF’S dream season will continue into Week Three of the Bellarine Netball League Finals Series, following a hard fought win over Torquay this afternoon (Sunday, August 27) in Portarlington, 52-49.

Today’s Semi Final was a tale of two halves with Torquay opening up the contest with an early lead, leading 11-15 at the opening break.

Led by Torquay’s trusty scoring pair of Daisy O’Kane (36 goals) and Rhian Moresi (13 goals), the Tigers made the most of each possession in the opening half, amassing a surprise nine-goal lead at the main break, 20-29.

Following the half-time huddle, Queenscliff flipped the switch, making Torquay earn each possession in the second half and capitalising in offence.

Torquay’s Rebecca Trenerry with the ball.

Katrina Daws’ well-structured side ate away at the Tigers’ advantage in the third quarter, cutting the deficit down to three and outscoring the Surf Coasters 16-10.

The two-pronged attack of co-captain Kaitlin Gladman (23 goals) and Tess Campigli (29 goals) proved to be lethal, with the duo pouring on the scores in the final quarter, outscoring Torquay 16-10 in the fourth as well, capping off a 32-20 half and securing a three-goal win with star defender Charli Nicol back in the side

Queenscliff would ultimately eliminate Torquay from BNL Finals contention.

Torquay and Sonia Harris’ up-and-down season comes to an end, while Queenscliff, who played its first A Grade final for the first time in 30 years last weekend, will attempt to win next week’s Preliminary Final in Newcomb.

The Coutas will have a rematch with Ocean Grove next Saturday, with the winner to take on Geelong Amateur in this year’s BNL Grand Final.

The Grubbers convincingly routed Queenscliff last weekend by 18 goals in the First Qualifying Final.