By MARK HEEENAN
A SIX-GOAL final term blitz ensured Barwon Heads cruised to a comfortable 46-point win over Battle of the Bridge rivals Ocean Grove on 30 April.
One of Bellarine Football League’s most traditional rivalries marked the 100th meeting between both clubs since the competition formed in 1971.
The Grubbers who trailed by 12 points at three quarter-time, were no match for home side in the final quarter of its round six BFL clash at Howard Harmer Oval.
Final scores Barwon Heads 15.18(108) to Ocean Grove 8.14(62).
Barwon Heads booted six goals compared to Ocean Grove’s one major in the final term.
The loss left the Grubbers in sixth position with a 3-3 record, while Barwon Heads remained in second spot with a 5-1 record.
The Seagulls have now stretched their winning streak to four games over Ocean Grove.
Barwon Heads forward Chris Martin had a day out and booted seven goals.
Ocean Grove senior coach Wayne Walsh said his side’s poor disposal by foot proved costly as the Grubbers kicked with a three-to-four goal breeze in the first quarter.
The Grubbers were unable to capitalise with their wind advantage in the opening term and led by only two points at the first break.
“We weren’t clean enough with the footy early, that hurt us in the pressure situations,” Walsh said.
“We felt we should have been in a bit better position at half-time because of that.”
Grubber ruckman Andrew Jarvis gave his midfielders first use of ball with some impressive tap outs at the centre bounce.
Ocean Grove playing assistant coach David King showed great leadership skills with three goals, while Grubber youngster Mickitja Rotumah-Onus booted three majors.
Experienced Grubber pair Liam Rock and Mark Laidler both did not play.
BARWON Heads secured a 37-point win over Ocean Grove in the reserves grade.
The Grubbers challenged the home side in the first half with scores level at half time.
The home side took control in the second half, kicking 7.10 to Ocean Grove’s 2.3.
Final scores Barwon Heads 10.19(79) to Ocean Grove 6.6(42).
Grubber Daniel Freeman kicked two goals for the visitors.
BFL SENIORS SCOREBOARD
BARWON HEADS 15.18(108)
DEFEATED OCEAN GROVE 8.14(62)
Ocean Grove
Goal Kickers: D. King 3, M. Rotumah-Onus 3, A. Baxter, T. Gavin
Best Players: A. Jarvis, P. Maloney, J. Teague, D. King, J. Anderson, J. Linton
