Ocean Grove’s bid for a Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association C Grade premiership fell at the final hurdle.
The Grubbers were beaten by reigning premiers Jan Juc in a high-quality game at Jan Juc.
Batting first, Grove started slowly, but made it to a credible 154 just before stumps on day one.
Captain Greg Scarpa survived a confident caught behind decision to post another half-century, out for an even 50.
Son Nathan Scarpa steadied the innings as opener and made a patient 30 in a 55-run stand with his father.
Jay Dawson chipped in with 28, but Ben Hanson (11) was the only other player to reach double figures.
Grove had a few overs before stumps, but couldn’t make inroads.
Grove was a slight chance when Jan Juc was 3/105, but the Sharks timed their innings well, bringing up the winning runs with a few overs to spare and seven wickets in hand for a deserved victory.
Spinner Jake Taylor took all three wickets for Ocean Grove, but all bowlers were economical and made Jan Juc work hard for its victory.
