O’Neill punishes Drysdale in BNL semi

Rebecca O'Neill put up another dominant performance with 49 goals against Drysdale today in Portarlington. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

BEST and fairest runner-up and Ocean Grove shooter Rebecca O’Neill led the charge in today’s (Sunday, August 21) Bellarine Netball League Semi Final against Drysdale, propelling the Grubbers into next week’s Preliminary Final with a 64-48 win.

O’Neill tagged 49 goals next to her already gigantic season total as Ocean Grove broke away early with a 16-11 first term.

Things went from bad to worse for the Hawks finding themselves down by double digits at half-time.

Olivia Young’s side showed some fight to open the second half getting the deficit down to as little as six goals, but Ocean Grove saved its most devastating quarter for last, tallying 21 goals and securing the win.

Next to O’Neill’s 49, Ashton O’Brien supplemented the Grubbers’ attack with 15 goals, meanwhile Jessica Rankin received a best-on-court mention.

Drysdale’s top scorers were Alyce Delaney and Kaia Giles each amassed 21 goals, with another six put up by Maddison Connally.

Young and Maggie Leahy received best-on-courts for Drysdale.

The Hawks’ season is now over but Ocean Grove’s could make it to the season decider if they can defeat Torquay next Saturday (August 27) in the Preliminary Final.