Ocean Grove netball coach Nikki Cooke was pleased with the club’s round one results on Saturday April 2.
Despite the A Grade side losing by three goals to Torquay, Cooke said there was plenty to like about the performances with B, C, D and E Grades all emerging victorious.
“Torquay has traditionally been strong and although it was a little disappointing to lose, it was a great game and we only lost by three goals,” Cooke said.
“There were a couple of changes in lead throughout the game. It was a great way to start the season and gives us a great benchmark to work on.”
The Grubbers have lost Maddy White, who has moved to Queensland, but have recruited strongly.
Midcourter and goaler Georgia Ryan has moved from Leopold and Geelong Cougars and Rhiannon Whitson is a highly touted defender from Colac Tigers.
Cooke said young gun Anna Smith will return from injury possibly this week against Anglesea, but definitely against Newcomb in round three.
“We had three new players in the team and two out with Jess Griffin at a wedding,” she said.
“We’ve got a lot of depth in our A Grade side this year with a lot of options and a lot of variety.
“The girls are enjoying having each other there and having to fight for their spot on the court. It’s a great culture.”
Ocean Grove’s four wins in the lower grades illustrated the depth through the entire squad.
“B grade had a great win,” Cooke said.
“We had a lot of players come to trials this year so we have large numbers.
“Some girls are playing down a grade from what they were last year so there’s plenty of competition.”
Cooke said the goal was finals for all senior grades with a view to playing grand finals.
“I have no doubt it’s at least finals,” she said.
“Based on round one results, I’d be disappointed if they weren’t grand finals.”
Results aside, Cooke said everyone just appreciated being out on the court again.
“A big thank you to AFL Barwon for getting all teams and umpires back on the court,” she said.
“The girls were excited and a bit nervous to be back out there. It’s just great to be back out on the court.”
RESULTS
A GRADE: Ocean Grove 39 def by Torquay 42. Best: Emily Moroney, Kelsey Ollis, Rhiannon Whitson. Goals: Rebecca O’Neill 29, Aston O’Brien 10.
B GRADE: Ocean Grove 48 def Torquay 41.
C GRADE: Ocean Grove 38 def Torquay 21. Goals: Shereen Wolfe 15, Amelia Cunningham 14, Kate Titheridge 9.
D GRADE: Ocean Grove 32 def Torquay 16. Goals: Hannah Quinn 18, Tina Birch 14.
E GRADE: Ocean Grove 27 def Torquay 22. Best: Famie Needham, Lara Barnes, Tracey Sacco. Goals: Famie Needham 21, Belinda Elliston 6.
19/U: Ocean Grove 11 def by Torquay 20. Best: Emilie Punton, Abbey Stanic, Amelia Hallam. Goals: Abbey Cowley 4, Isabella Maier 4, Sarah Fecchio 3.
17/U DIVISION 1: Ocean Grove 27 def Torquay 13. Best: Emily Quinten, Lexie Annand, Lucy Sampson. Goals: Lucy Sampson 14, Anika Bult 8, Maya Hamilton 5.
17/U DIVISION 2: Ocean Grove 19 def by Torquay 24. Best: Alice Molloy, Molly McLean, Tilly Peace-Teague.
15/U DIVISION 1: Ocean Grove 20 tied with Torquay 20. Best: Amelia Stanic, Poppy Hart, Ella Brown. Goals: Adele Mills 9, Poppy Hart 8, Bella Wearmouth 3.
15/U DIVISION 2: Ocean Grove 22 def Torquay 9. Goals: Scarlett Sadler 18, Annika Willis 4.
13/U DIVISION 1: Ocean Grove 5 def by Torquay 27. Best: Alexandra Norgard, Alice Sampson, Billie Cook. Goals: Reagan McKenzie 3, Heidi Armstrong 1.
13/U DIVISION 2: Ocean Grove 3 def by Torquay 37. Goals: Olivia Clark 1, Ella Dowling 1.
