Ocean Grove netball coach Elyse Howard was thrilled to beat a top five scalp in the Battle of the Bridge A Grade win over Barwon Heads on Saturday.
After home losses to BFNL A Grade ladder leaders Geelong Amateur and second-placed Torquay in recent games, Howard said it was nice for the Grubbers to rediscover their mojo at the Shell Road netball courts.
Ocean Grove, which sits in outright third position with an 8-2 record, defeated its rivals Barwon Heads 57 to 46.
It was the club’s first win against a top five team since the Grubbers defeated Modewarre in round four.
Candice Parker was best on court while Jessica Griffin was excellent.
“Very happy with our win…didn’t how we were going to go with it rolling into in with a different defensive line,” Howard told the Voice.
“Our defence were awesome and they worked well together – their work-rate was through the roof and they won us heaps of ball.
“I think it is about beating a team in the top five which we have only beaten Modda (Modewarre) so far.”
The Grubbers were beaten by Barwon Heads in both of their Battle of the Bridge clashes last year, while the Seagulls knocked out Ocean Grove in the 2017 A Grade elimination final.
“We didn’t beat them at all last year, and we beat them in both games in 2017 except for the final,” Howard said.
Leading goal shooter Rebecca Scott was outstanding and shot 52 goals.
Howard said Scott imposed her physical presence and won plenty of ball.
“Bec Scott played phenomenally well,” she said.
“She shot really well, it was one of her best games in terms of strength and taking the ball with two strong hands.”
The Grubbers won without inspirational defender Lucy Vercher and goal attack Julia Allan-Goodwin, who were unavailable.
Barwon Heads proved too good in B Grade.
The second placed Seagulls won 47 to 40.
Claudia battled hard for Ocean Grove while Meg Badrock and Kylie Lane were consistent for the fifth placed Grove.
In C Grade, Ocean Grove held onto top spot on the ladder with an impressive 28 to 18 win against Barwon Heads.
Alyse O’Keefe, Meagan Bothe and Kaitlyn Hammond were instrumental in inflicting the Heads’ second loss for the season.
Catherine Bull was best for the Seagulls.
Grove proved too strong in D Grade, keeping top position on the ladder in the process.
Only a goal separated the side at half time, but Grove powered home with strong games from Lauren Barber and Shereen Wolfe.
In a battle for top spot in E Grade, Barwon Heads emerged triumphant.
The 29 to 15 win took the Gulls to top position.
Grace Hamilton and Maddie Moroney were tireless contributors for Ocean Grove, which is still well placed in second spot.
The 19 Under game finished in a thrilling tie.
Both sides were locked on 21 goals each and only percentage separates the teams between first and second on the ladder.
Ella O’Brien and Lara Barnes were best for Grove.
A high standard 17 Under Section 1 game finished in a 30 to 22 win for Ocean Grove.
Grove went to its eighth straight win with Jorja Connellan best on court and Emma Badrock and Anna Smith playing well.
Issey Armstrong was best for the Heads, who are still in second spot on the ladder.
Grove proved too good in the 17 Under Section 2 game.
The 38 to 13 kept Grove’s unbeaten run intact with Chloe Jeffrey and Grace Hamilton in fine form while Madeleine Villani was good for Barwon Heads.
Ocean Grove won a tough encounter in 15 Under Section 1.
Barwon Heads jumped out quickly to lead by six goals at quarter time and then by a goal at half time.
Grove had a three-goal lead at the last break and went on to win 26 to 19 and consolidate second spot on the ladder.
Anna Smith, Tara Sampson and Amelia Cunningham were the best players for Grove while Summer Don was best for the Seagulls.
Grove kept Barwon Heads goalless in the opening term in 15 Under Section 2.
Grove ran out convincing winners, 27 to 6 with Isabella Jubber and Rebecca Quinten starring.
Alex Batchelor and Sophie Blacket led Barwon Heads to a good win in 13 Under Section 1.
The Seagulls won 24 to 11 to wrest second spot away from Ocean Grove, which was well served by Tilly Peace-Teague, Amelia Ford and Ella McGlynn.
Ocean Grove won a close game in 13 Under Section 1 to keep top spot on the ladder.
Only two goals separated the sides at the last break, but a high scoring final term resulted in a 22 to 17 win.
