Ocean Grove has claimed a stunning three-peat in one of the most memorable Bellarine Netball League A Grade grand finals in history.
A turnover by Georgia Berry allowed Zanna Woods to shoot the winning goal right on the full-time siren in an epic 53 to 52 win against Geelong Amateur.
This game, at Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve, had everything. Two players were sent off for two minutes, Grove co-captain Emily Moroney suffered a suspected ACL injury, both goal shooters seemingly couldn’t miss, the lead changed multiple times and it was a thriller right to the final second.
The win made it three consecutive A Grade flags for the Grubbers.
Ocean Grove played almost the entire second half with three B Graders – Claudia Britt, Emma Jones and Mia Smith – on the court.
”Elated, can’t believe it, absolutely thrilled,” coach Mel Holmes said straight after the game.
“That was a roller coaster, but I’m so proud of everyone. It was a real team effort.
“We had to throw everything at it. Just mixing up our starting line-up, having full belief and the ability to bring up B Graders who mean something to this club.
“This is what it’s all about – this community – and I’m so thrilled.”
Grove’s Gemma Bell and Ammos’ Keisha Guilmartin were both sent from the court for two minutes just when their teams had the momentum.
Woods shot 42 goals from 44 attempts while at the other end Kim Hammond scored 41 from 46. However, both Guilmartin and Berry made the two goal aces earn every shot.
Ammos led by one with a minute remaining, but Woods tied the scores with 30 seconds left on the clock.
Ammos had the next centre pass, but Berry caused a turnover and it looked like the game was headed to overtime.
But the Grubbers rushed the ball forward and Woods was able to calmly slot her 42nd goal as the siren sounded to signal an epic win.
See the Ocean Grove Voice next Friday for a massive coverage of the game and other grand finals.
Check our website at oceangrovevoice.com.au on Monday for even more coverage from the day.
GRAND FINALS
Saturday September 13, Grinter Reserve, Newcomb
A Grade: Ocean Grove 53 def Geelong Amateur 52. Best on court: Kaitlyn Sheringham (Geelong Amateur)
B Grade: Geelong Amateur 51 def Anglesea 30. Best on court: Jess Kelly (Geelong Amateur)
C Grade: Ocean Grove 39 def Torquay 29. Best on court: Sofia Dickinson (Ocean Grove)
D Grade: Barwon Heads 28 def Geelong Amateur 24. Best on court: Darcy Smith (Barwon Heads)
E Grade: Geelong Amateur 38 def Ocean Grove 24. Best on court: Lauren McAuley (Geelong Amateur)
19 & Under: Drysdale 34 def Portarlington 34. Best on court: Jade Wilson (Drysdale)
17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 37 def Geelong Amateur 21. Best on court: Ella Brown (Ocean Grove)
17 & Under Division 2: Torquay 19 def Geelong Amateur 15. Best on court: Mackinley Bragge (Torquay)
15 & Under Division 1: Geelong Amateur 31 def Torquay 12. Best on court: Macey Dow (Geelong Amateur)
15 & Under Division 2: Torquay 26 def Ocean Grove 22. Best on court: Millie Binnion (Torquay)
13 & Under Division 1: Torquay 28 def Geelong Amateur 24. Best on court: Harriet O’Dwyer (Torquay)
13 & Under Division 2: Geelong Amateur 21 def Ocean Grove 13. Best on court: Alice Harmon (Geelong Amateur)
