Grubbers into grand final

Shelby Hackett and Claudia Britt in action in the second semi-final against Geelong Amateur. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 294638_04

Ocean Grove’s B Grade netball side is into the grand final after a thrilling two-goal win against Geelong Amateur in the second semi-final on Saturday.

The Grubbers will meet the winner of the Ammos and Torquay preliminary final this weekend.

Ocean Grove’s past two games against Ammos have ended in a tie and a two-goal win.

Coach Laura Howard was impressed with her undefeated side’s tenacity.

“The girls fought really well and fought hard,” she said.

“I think they did everything they have been working on and it all came together in the end.

“They’ve been really focussed and worked hard on their fitness. They are a wonderful group to coach.”

Howard said both preliminary final combatants would provide strong opposition in the grand final.

“They are both strong teams,” she said.

“Ammos have some really strong players in midcourt and Torquay have a lot of fight in them.”

Howard said goalshooter Nikki Cooke was in good form and with Jesse Sutton and Emma Badrock rotating through goal attack, the side has some firepower in the goalring.

“It gives our team something different,” she said.

“Nikki is the driver of the strategy in our team. Jesse is the starting goal attack and Emma can be brought on at any time.”

While the Grubbers will enter the grand final as favourites, Howard said the second semi-final win was deserved.

“They’re thrilled, but level headed about it,” she said.

“The weekend was a really good opportunity to prove why we were undefeated for a reason.”