OCEAN Grove recovered from an early setback and cruised to a five-wicket win over reigning A Grade premier Anglesea after a crucial fourth-wicket partnership on Saturday.
Staring down the barrel at 3/15 on day two at Anglesea, Grubber batting pair Michael Kenneady and Tom Beasley put on a match winning 122-run stand as the Grubbers finished at 5/173 from 68 overs.
Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber who was unbeaten on 18 not out, said the valuable partnership between Mick Kenneady and Tom Beasley was a game changer.
“Our backs were to the wall and both Tom (Beasley) and Mick (Kenneady) put their hand up and put us in a position to win the game,” Jubber told the Voice.
“Partnerships are crucial in this situation.
“Tom Beasley has shown some real promise and Mick (Kenneady) is just on top of his game.”
Anglesea new ball pair Dale Kerr, 2/51, and Dylan Taylor, 3/46, snared all five wickets for the home side.
Anglesea was bowled out for 169 from 73.2 overs on day one as Grubber spinners Mick Gill and Thomas Kent dominated and grabbed five wickets apiece.
Gill finished with 5/70 from 27.2 overs, while Kent took 5-23 from 14 overs.
Even Jubber, who claimed 4-59 from 19.1 overs in his side’s round two win over Barwon Heads, was left without a bowl.
Third-placed Ocean Grove now shifts its attention to cross-town rival Collendina.
The Grubbers, who lost to Collendina in Round One by six wickets, meet the Cobras in a two-day game at Shell Road on Saturday.
“Collendina are a proven quality team,” Jubber said.
“Strong bowling and some skilled bats – Corey Walter the standout.
“It should be a fantastic atmosphere at the ground.”
In B grade, Ocean Grove suffered a three-wicket loss to Wallington.
Batting first, the Grubbers were bowled out for 193 from 60.2 overs on day one.
In reply, Wallington made 7/200 from 65 overs.
Grubber pair Chris McSween and Billy Foord-Engelsman both took two wickets apiece.
Daniel Harrison top scored for Wallington with 63 on day two.
Ocean Grove C Grade claimed an 18-run victory over Anglesea at Anglesea on Saturday.
The Grubbers batted first and made 9/210 from 59.4 overs as veteran pair Greg Scarpa (72) and Pat Kuipers (61 retired hurt) led the way.
Kuipers left the ground with an elbow injury and did not return.
On day two, Anglesea competed well with the bat though were bowled out for 192 from 57.5 overs.
Ben Hughes the leading wicket-taker with 4/53 from 22 overs.
The Grubbers had the bye in D Grade last Saturday but posted a comfortable 109-run win in their round three one-day match against battle-of-the-bridge rivals Barwon Heads on 29 October.
Batting first Ocean Grove compiled 6/243 from 40 overs at Ray Menzies Oval.
Grubber pair Dave Bate (75) and Daniel Freeman (61) top scored for the home side.
In reply, the Seagulls were all out for 134 from 34.5 overs.
Ocean Grove bowler Michael Good was a star with ball after he claimed 5/37 from eight overs, while budding youngster Josh Kuipers took 2/12 from 3.5 overs top mop up the Barwon Heads’ tail.
