Ocean Grove holds on for win despite disjointed day

REIGNING Bellarine Netball League premiers Ocean Grove have kept their composure through a disjointed round 3.

The Grubbers game against Drysdale was delayed and moved due to an injury in the B-grade game prior, which left the playing group rattled as they took the court.

Head coach Mel Holmes missed part of the game while assisting the injured player but said she was pleased to see the girls hold on for a morale-boosting 45-43 win.

“It was a bit of an unsettled game to be honest; it threw us a little bit,” Holmes said.

“It was disjointed, but I’m not taking anything away from Drysdale. They’re strong and they’ve been pushing teams, so I’d expect that they’ll have a really successful season.”

Holmes said Drysdale provided a strong early-season test.

Still working on new combinations, she said the side was continuing to find its rhythm.

Player and coach availability, along with court-time restrictions, have impacted opening rounds.

“We’re still trying to find our feet, but we’re okay with where we’re at this point of the season given it’s been a bit of an unsettled start,” Holmes said.

“I’m really comfortable with what I’m seeing and know where we need to go from here.

“It just needs to settle a little bit and get used to playing with each other because there’s different combinations where they aren’t familiar with the lines they’re running, but there is always so many positives to take from it.”

Looking towards this weekend’s Anzac Day clash with Newcomb, Holmes is expecting another tough match up.

Respectful of head coach Lisa Robinson and the program she has built, Holmes said her side would need to be ready.

“Carly [Sanders] will be hard to stop but we’re up for the challenge and I think it will be great to have a look at them,” Holmes said.

“There’s been a lot of movement, so the first round you go into it knowing a couple of key things, trying to work on what you need to work on, but the second time round you can certainly nail down a little bit around your opponents.”

Around the courts Barwon Heads defeated Anglesea comfortably 61-30, while Geelong Amateur beat Queenscliff 53-36.

Torquay held on over Portarlington 48-42, while Newcomb will be looking to get their first points of the season next weekend after a 45-37 loss to Modewarre.