A vastly improved Newcomb gave reigning Bellarine Netball League premiers Ocean Grove an almighty scare under lights at Grinter Reserve on Anzac Day.
The Power led by eight goals at one stage in the second quarter before Grove rallied and hit back to win 46 to 40.
Sensing the danger that was unfolding, coach Mel Holmes made a match-winning move, shifting Zanna Woods from goal shooter to wing attack and Ashton O’Brien into the circle.
The Grubbers went on an unanswered 14-goal spree in the third term and early in the last.
Holmes put her side’s sluggish start down to wet conditions and a slick and hungry Newcomb team that opened the match strongly.
“Everyone had to play in the wet, but we didn’t adjust to that in the first little bit and to Newcomb’s credit they came out quite well,” she said.
“I mixed things up a bit to get a bit more movement. We were just struggling in the wet to get the ball down and just to create something different and it worked. We played the second half more to the conditions and we adjusted.”
With no Amanda O’Malley for the second week in a row, Georgia Berry had her hands full trying to curtail Carly Sanders and Gemma Bell moved from wing defence to goal defence. Captain Emily Moroney starred at wing defence instead of her usual wing attack and was judged best on court.
Holmes praised Newcomb’s game.
“Carly Sanders is a strong presence and a good target for them,” she said.
“She was impressive. They have recruited well and Lisa (Robinson) is a wonderful coach and person so I’m thrilled for them.”
Holmes said the opportunity to play on Anzac Day was something the club did not take for granted.
“We were on the oval with the footballers (before the game) and they did a beautiful service,” she said.
“It was a really moving tribute. It was an honour to play on Anzac Day.”
Ocean Grove returns home to Ray Menzies Oval this week after two away games and faces another big test in Queenscliff, which thumped Modewarre.
The Grubbers will regain O’Malley for the top three clash.
“They’re looking good and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Holmes said.
It’s just as well the Grubbers will have a full side because Queenscliff’s attack looked ominous in its 68 to 30 win. Alex Booker, Phoebe Knox and Kaitlin Gladman were unstoppable in attack for the Coutas in an impressive performance.
Geelong Amateur defeated Barwon Heads 50 to 36 with skipper Keisha Guilmartin brilliant in defence with midcourter Georgia Duncan playing her role and Kayla Donnellon good in attack. Chelsea Baker played well at wing attack for the Seagulls.
Torquay came away from Anglesea with a 62 to 52 win with new coach Kate Schippers best.
Portarlington defeated Drysdale 36 to 32 on Anzac Day to move up to sixth spot on the ladder. Tall goaler Tully Bethune contributed 18 goals while Mia Fallon was Drysdale’s best.
ROUND 4
B Grade: Ocean Grove 37 def Newcomb 26. Best: Emma Jones, Claudia Britt, Jesse Sutton.
C Grade: Ocean Grove 33 def Newcomb 18. Best: Anika Bult, Melanie Holmes, Zali Palmer.
D Grade: Ocean Grove 37 def Newcomb 18. Best: Ailish Bowers, Emilie Punton, Tarryn Stanley.
E Grade: Ocean Grove 31 def Newcomb 12. Best: Emma Barry, Ruby Hildebrandt, Mia Haritos.
19 & Under: Ocean Grove 23 def Surf Coast Suns 9. Best: not supplied.
17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 62 def Surf Coast Suns 3. Best: Piper Needham, Mikala Martin, Grace van Maasdyk.
17 & Under Division 2: bye
15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 28 def Surf Coast Suns 22. Best: Ruby Brooks, Iluka O’Loughlin, Stevie Long.
15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 63 def Newcomb 3. Best: Emma Robinson, Joie Clarke, Caitlin Maud.
13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 31 def Surf Coast Suns 13. Best: not supplied.
13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 23 def Newcomb 6. Best: Max Johnson, Cleo Kelso, Lily Robinson.
