OCEAN Grove A Grade is on the verge of producing a stunning win over hot favourites Jan Juc after the visitors grabbed day one honours on 11 February.
The Grubbers rolled the Sharks for only 145 from 65.4 overs and were on top at stumps at 0/23 on day one of its two-day clash at Jan Juc Park.
A bye in Round 9 meant the Grubbers had the luxury to watch home side Collendina take on Jan Juc, the Sharks first loss in 2016-17, and execute its bowling plans.
Thrilled Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber said it was their best performance with the ball this season.
“We are pretty excited about the day’s play,” said Jubber, who took 1/10 from seven overs.
“We were able to derive a few plans from the bye … you can make plans but ultimately you have got to execute your plans.
“I thought the bowlers were exceptional – it was the best they had bowled all season.”
Ocean Grove paceman Lindon Giuffrida destroyed the Shark top order bats Iva Priest (4), playing coach Ben Grinter (8) and Will Pomorin (28) with the first three wickets.
Grubber Corey Buxton mopped up tail to finish with 4-13 from 11.4 overs with five maidens.
“Lindon’s spell was what we expected from him each week and Corey bowled with a lot of maturity,” he said.
The home side was on the ropes at 5/61 before Jan Juc pair Rick Wheeler (30) and Paul Hawkey (23) combined in a critical 51-run sixth-wicket partnership.
Jubber said his side’s intensity in the field was a standout.
Sitting in fifth spot, a victory over Jan Juc would go a long way to ensure Ocean Grove would play in its first A Grade finals campaign in four seasons.
The Grubbers chased down 277 for victory against Drysdale in Round 9.
Irrespective of finals, Jubber said the Grubbers had come a long way in 12 months.
“We are very hungry for success … if we did not make the finals I can tell you right now we are a much better club and team than what we were this time last year,” Jubber said.
Ocean Grove requires a further 123 runs for victory on Saturday with 10 wickets in hand.
In B Grade, the Grubbers had set Anglesea a challenging total at stumps in their two-day clash at Ray Menzies Oval.
Ocean Grove compiled at 7/275 from their 75 overs.
Grubber Michael Carroll was not out on 76, while Tom Beasley (50) scored a valuable half-century.
Chris Hornsey was the leading wicket-taker for Anglesea with 3/71 from 23 overs.
Ocean Grove bowled out Jan Juc for 199 from 59.4 overs in their two-day C Grade match at Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve.
Billy Foord-Engelsman was the standout bowler with his figures of 5/66 from 21.4 overs.
Grubber pair Adam Spiby (2/33) and Ben Hanson (2/23) each claimed two wickets apiece.
In D Grade, Grubber Troy Wiseman scored an unbeaten 101 and guided Ocean Grove to a seven-wicket victory over Wallington in their one-day game at Connewarre.
Wallington was dismissed for 172 from 39.5 overs, in reply Ocean Grove finished at 3/178 from 37 overs with three overs to spare.
