Unbeaten Bellarine Netball League A Grade sides Geelong Amateur and Ocean Grove will resume their rivalry on May 24 after a general bye this weekend.
It’s the match everyone has been waiting for.
Ammos have gone through the past two seasons unbeaten up until the grand final, where the Grubbers have taken premiership glory.
It looks like it will be a similar situation this season.
“We’re looking forward to it so we’ll enjoy the weekend off and then get ready to prepare for Ammos,” Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes said.
“It’s only percentage that separates the two teams and I know the girls are looking forward to it and having a look at the way Ammos go about it. At the end of the day, this isn’t the one that matters, but it’s good to have a look.”
Ocean Grove dispatched a physical, and at times impressive, Barwon Heads 55 to 34 while Ammos were very good in defeating third-placed Queenscliff.
Barwon Heads took it right up to the Grubbers in the first quarter and weren’t intimidated by their higher ranked opponents, coming out very physically early.
Scores were level at the first break, but Ocean Grove gradually got on top.
“It was physical and we took a moment to adjust our style,” Holmes said.
“I was pleased that we won and played our game and kept trying to stick to our game plan. We had a slower start, but once we adjusted and found our groove we were able to put the foot down.”
The best match-up of the day was Barwon Heads attackers Krystal Baker and Kaia Giles on Ocean Grove defenders Georgia Berry and Amanda O’Malley.
Baker in particular was lively around the ring, which forced Holmes to adjust her defensive set up to quell her influence.
Grove captain Emily Moroney copped a corkie and star goaler Zanna Woods looked bothered by an elbow complaint, but Holmes said both would line up in round 9.
Newcomb won a thriller by one goal against Drysdale. Carly Sanders was again dangerous in attack while Mia Fallon was superb in defence for the Hawks.
Anglesea and Portarlington couldn’t be separated and each team walked away with two points after finishing the game on 49 goals apiece. Midcourter Scarlotte Benney was Anglesea’s best and goal shooter Tully Bethune was unstoppable for Port with 44 goals.
Geelong Amateur had Queenscliff’s measure for most of the day with a 42 to 30 win. Kayla Donnellon was on fire in attack with 35 goals and Zoey Shaw was terrific at wing defence. Ebony Ralph did all she could for the Coutas at goal defence.
Torquay defeated Modewarre 71 to 24 with Julia Allan-Goodwin starring at wing attack while Grace Hunt was busy at goal attack for the Warriors.
