By MARK HEENAN
OCEAN Grove senior captain Kelly Williams is confident the Grubbers can overcome their ‘form slump’ after the club’s 25-point loss to Anglesea at Alcoa Oval on 14 May.
The Grubbers who have dropped to seventh on BFL ladder with a 3-5 record after eight rounds, suffered its third straight defeat after losses to Barwon Heads in round six and Queenscliff in round seven. Anglesea’s win against Ocean Grove snapped a five-game losing streak against the Grubbers at Alcoa Oval.
Final scores Anglesea 16.11 (107) d Ocean Grove 12.10 (82).
The struggling Grubbers have won one of its last five games, their only victory was against bottom-placed Newcomb in round five.
Williams said playing BFL finals was still on the agenda despite the club’s indifferent start to 2016.
“Our decision making is letting us down in some games, but I can’t fault our team’s endeavour and effort,” Williams told the Voice.
“We have just got to be positive, it will turn.
“Drysdale has proven this season they can beat sides above them on the ladder – we can still play finals.”
Williams was outstanding after half-time and named in his side’s best players.
The 28-year-old wound back the clock after he booted three inspirational goals in the third term, which gave his side a crucial seven-point lead at three quarter-time.
Williams also played a vital role in midfield and was forced to go into defence to limit dangerous Anglesea forward Marcus Smith, who booted six goals.
Anglesea co-captain Ryan Dahlhaus, Jackson Bews and ruckman Kyle Pickett all played key games, while Blake Grant booted three goals for home side.
Anglesea ran rampant, booting six goals to one kicking with the breeze in the final term.
Twent-one of the 28 goals were scored at the more favourable wind-assisted beach end of Alcoa Oval.
Ocean Grove players Travis Gavin, James Linton, Jahd Anderson all booted two goals.
Grubber ruckman Andrew Jarvis, James Linton and key defender Kaiden Long all played serviceable games.
Young Grubber Matt Caldow did not play after he left the field with concussion in Ocean Grove’s 38-point loss to Queenscliff on 7 May.
Grubber experienced pair Liam Rock and Mark Laidler again were both sidelined with injury.
Anglesea defeated Ocean Grove in the reserves grade curtain raiser by 59 points.
Final scores Anglesea 12.13 (85) d Ocean Grove 5.6 (36).
The Grubbers kept the home side scoreless at quarter-time and led by 15 points.
The home side dominated after half-time, kicking 12 goals to Ocean Grove’s three majors.
Ben Garrard was the only multiple goalkicker for Ocean Grove with two majors.
Ocean Grove reserves grade are in ninth place with a 1-7 record in 2016.
BFL SENIORS SCOREBOARD
ANGLESEA 16.11(107)
DEFEATED OCEAN GROVE 12.10(82)
Ocean Grove
Goal Kickers: K. Williams 3, J. Anderson 2, J. Linton 2, T. Gavin 2, D. King, J. Milnes, M. King
Best Players: J. Linton, K. Williams, A. Jarvis, J. Anderson, K. Long, P. Maloney
