After ‘stealing’ a three-goal win against Torquay, Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes said her side’s start was crucial against Anglesea at Shell Road Reserve on Saturday June 21.
The Grubbers kept their unbeaten run intact in the round 10 game against the Tigers with a final-quarter effort to get them over the line.
In round 11, Ocean Grove was 16 to 10 up at the first break before going on to win 64 to 38.
“I think the girls weren’t happy with how we started against Torquay so it was a real focus of having a strong start and keeping the consistency over four quarters, which I felt like they did well,” Holmes said.
“I was happy with how we bounced back. Our aim was to keep them (Queenscliff) at 10 (in the first quarter), but ours was to be something like 16. So we met that and we knew it would take four quarters. It’s not won in the first quarter, but we wanted to get a good start.
“That was a focus because we didn’t do that against Torquay. I wanted consistency and we got it. So I was happy with how the girls performed with the bare seven.”
Injuries to Ashton O’Brien and Emily Moroney probably won’t see them back in the side until after the July 12 bye.
The Grubbers now have games against an injury riddled Queenscliff and bottom side Modewarre to come before the break
Against a young and plucky Anglesea, Holmes started Georgia Ryan at wing attack to great effect, allowing Zanna Woods and Arlee Bennett to play in goals.
Star defender Kelsey Ollis also played very limited minutes, but looks to have not missed a beat after an ACL injury in the 2023 grand final.
“She (Ryan) was really great yesterday and it was really good and then Kelsey had a cameo appearance,” Holmes said.
“She was wonderful when she came on and created some doubt. She just adds that level of excitement the girls really get up and about for. It really brings a bit of energy to our team. She’s obviously very, very limited and very nervous coming back, but that’s what she wants to do and we’re here to support her when she comes on.”
While Queenscliff is third on the ladder, it will be without one of the competition’s genuine stars in Kaitlin Gladman who did her ACL two weeks ago. The Coutas lost to Drysdale on the weekend and will be keen to bounce back.
“We’re well aware of the injuries, but they’ve got depth,” Holmes said.
“And they want to win, so it’s not going to be easy at all.”
The Grubbers also have injuries to key defenders in B Grade, putting flow-on strain throughout the grades.
Holmes was able to give some minutes to A Grade debutante Amanda Durbridge at wing defence in the third quarter on Saturday and had Jesse Sutton as a back-up goaler on stand by.
Ocean Grove’s main challenger for the premiership this season, Geelong Amateur, had a powerhouse win against Newcomb.
Defender Keisha Guilmartin was best in the 51 to 33 win while Kayla Donnellon shot 42 goals from 48 attempts.
Drysdale kept in touch with the top five with an upset win against Queenscliff, 47 to 43. Goal keeper Nicole Butler was best while Coutas’ goaler Alex Booker was good for her side.
Torquay defeated Barwon Heads 53 to 39 with bookends Sophie Ritchie-Crichton at goal keeper and Daisy O’Kane (46 goals) best.
Defender Hannah Branson led a resurgent Portarlington to a 50 to 27 win against Modewarre to keep pace with the top five.
