OCEAN Grove A grade consolidated its top four spot with a hard fought two-wicket away win over Barrabool on Saturday 3 December.
Chasing 231 for victory the Grubbers posted 8/247 from 74 overs at Barrabool Oval to secure six points and move into third position on A Grade table after five rounds.
Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber confirmed while wins away from home were critical, he said there was always room for improvement.
“We were really pleased to get the win, wins away from home are crucial,” Jubber said.
“Being in the four at Christmas doesn’t assure you of anything come finals time.
“We still have room for improvement with our young group.”
Grubber playing assistant coach Mick Kenneady (50) continued his consistent season with his third half-century in the space of four matches.
Ocean Grove pair Jackson Kent (43) and Issac Saunders (46) also made fine contributions with bat.
“Really pleased with Kenneady, Kent and Saunders,” Jubber said.
Barrabool opening bowler Nathan Findlay (3-25) claimed a three-wicket haul.
On day one, Corey Buxton (2-60) claimed two wickets.
Ocean Grove went into the game with only the one recognised spinner with coach Paul Jubber, as Mick Gill retired before the Round 5 clash, while leg-spinner Thomas Kent did not play.
Barrabool coach and gun batsman Kane Pickering top scored with an excellent 75.
Ocean Grove will face bottom-placed Queenscliff in a two-day clash at home at Ray Menzies Oval this Saturday, its final game before the Christmas break.
GRUBBER Paul O’Donoghue starred with bat and ball in Ocean Grove’s first innings B Grade victory against Barrabool on Saturday at Ray Menzies Oval.
In fact the Grubbers almost pulled off a rare outright win after Barrabool were rolled for only 89 from 36.5 overs.
In its second dig the Bulls were 8/72 from 38 overs.
O’Donoghue smashed 14 boundaries in his knock of 81 as the Grubbers posted 9/288 from 75 overs on day one.
O’Donoghue (5/20) backed it up with the ball and claimed a five-wicket haul from 10.5 overs in the Bulls first innings.
Grubber team-mate and left-arm speedster Dan Roddis put himself in the frame for an A recall with 3/34 from 11 overs in the first innings.
Ocean Grove young spinner Fletcher Long (3/32) and Grubber B Grade captain Lucas Baulch (3/9) each took three wickets apiece in Barrabool’s second innings.
OCEAN Grove C Grade scored a 75-run victory in their two-day game against Barrabool at Barwon Common on Saturday.
Batting first the Grubbers made 9/248 from their 60 overs thanks to a half-century from veteran Greg Scarpa (70).
In reply, Barrabool made 6/173 from its 60 overs.
Grubber bowlers Trent Lowe (2/25) and Callum Docherty (2/30) both took two wickets apiece.
THE Grubbers recorded an easy 10-wicket win over Collendina 1 in their one-day game at Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve.
The Cobras were rolled for only 79 from 24.4 overs.
Corey Habgood (5/23) and Jarryn Dower (4/12) did the bulk of the damage.
In reply Ocean Grove cruised to victory and finished at none for 88 from 14 overs.
IN the Twenty20 clash last week, Ocean Grove won its round one encounter against Wallington at Wallington.
Batting first the Grubbers compiled 3/148 from its 20 overs.
In reply the Wallabies fell 10 runs short and made 6/138 from 20 overs.
