By Mark Heenan
Ocean Grove’s first victory over 2017 BFL premier Torquay in almost four years was soured with a serious injury to star Grubber defender Patrick Maloney on 28 April.
The Grubbers broke a six-game losing streak against Torquay – Ocean Grove’s last win over the Tigers came on the final siren of its BFL preliminary final thriller in 2014.
Final scores Ocean Grove 9.18 (72) defeated Torquay 6.11 (47).
Maloney sustained a broken collarbone and was rushed from the ground by club trainers in the final quarter at Ray Menzies Memorial Oval.
The 25-year-old said it was his third broken collarbone, remains unsure how long he will be sidelined.
“Yeah (it is my) third broken collarbone,” Maloney told the Voice.
“I’m not sure exactly how long (I will be out for) yet, seeing a doctor (Monday 7 May).
“(It is) more pain than the one I did last year, but similar to the first one I’d say.”
Shaun Fankhauser copped a corked thigh during the 25-point win and took no further part after half time.
Despite the win, it was an inadequate performance in front of goal for Ocean Grove.
The Round 5 scoreline was the fourth consecutive week the Grubbers scored more points than goals after inaccurate showings against Newcomb (12.21), Barwon Heads (8.9) and Geelong Amateur (9.15).
Ocean Grove ball winner Luke Cartelli was a standout and booted two first quarter goals.
Big man Pete Corredig provided a strong presence up forward and kicked two majors.
The versatile Harry Walker provided purpose and drive and his pressure was outstanding.
Grubber vice-captain Matt Caldow played his first senior match this season after recovering from a groin injury.
Tiger forward Paul McMahon booted two goals, while midfielder Ben Raidme impressed after the key off-season departure of silky on-baller James Darke, the 2017 Les Ash medallist.
Torquay’s defeat meant it fell to a 2-3 win loss record after five rounds.
In other developments, Ocean Grove reserves grade upstaged the highly fancied Torquay with a 15-point win.
Final scores Ocean Grove 8.6 (54) defeated Torquay 6.3 (39).
Ocean Grove got the jump over Torquay in the first term and led by 12 points at quarter time.
The visitors fought back in the second quarter and held four-point lead at the main break.
After half time Ocean Grove kicked five goals compared with Torquay’s 2.2.
Mitch Lindkvist starred with three goals and was named in the best players while Sam Elford booted two majors.
Ocean Grove senior regulars Karl Staudt, Cam Marchbank and Tom Hobbs all played in the win.
Torquay downed Ocean Grove by 56 points in their Under 19 grading clash.
Final scores Torquay 14.8 (92) to Ocean Grove 5.6 (36).
Ocean Grove failed to kick a goal in the first half though the Grubbers finished strongly with a four-goal fourth quarter.
Jesse Caliguiri booted two goals for the home side. SENIORS SCOREBOARD
OCEAN GROVE 9.18 (72) d TORQUAY 6.11 (47)
OCEAN GROVE
Goals: P. Corredig 2, L. Cartelli 2, J. Carmody, P. Maloney, J. Peers, M. Caldow, K. Williams.
Best: A. Jarvis, P. Maloney, L. Cartelli, J. Anderson, O. Monteith.
