TORQUAY put a dent in Ocean Grove’s BFL finals hopes with a solid 20-point win against the Grubbers at Shell Road on Saturday 28 May.
The loss meant the Grubbers dropped to eighth spot with a 3-6 record, while Drysdale, which defeated winless Newcomb by 31 points, jumped into sixth position.
Despite a gallant effort from the Grubbers, skill errors and turnovers plagued the home side at times in the windy and slippery conditions.
Ocean Grove got within seven points in the second half, but the Tigers steadied with late goals to record a hard-fought win.
Grubber forward Daniel Freeman produced his best return for 2016 with four goals, while Ocean Grove captain Kelly Williams and midfielder Aaron Baxter both played well.
Young Grubber Harry Walker had a strong presence across half-back and created drive out of defence.
Former Grubber skipper Liam Rock played for first time in more than a month since his last outing against Newcomb in round five on 23 April.
Ocean Grove young vice-captain Matt Caldow returned after he suffered concussion in his side’s round-seven clash against Queenscliff on 7 May.
For the visitors, dangerous Torquay forward Scott Hughes booted four goals, while Tiger playing coach Dom Glesson kicked three majors to help seal victory.
Final scores Torquay 14.7 (91) to Ocean Grove 11.5 (71).
Ladder-leader Torquay registered a convincing 111-point victory over Ocean Grove in the reserves grade game.
Ocean Grove was far more competitive in first term and trailed by two points at quarter-time.
Torquay dominated after quarter-time kicking 19 goals compared to Ocean Grove’s three majors.
Grubber players Michael Carroll and Matt McCartney both kicked two goals apiece.
Final scores were Torquay 22.16 (148) to Ocean Grove 6.1 (37).
In the under-18 Colts Division 2 Bendigo Bank Cup, Ocean Grove 1 defeated Drysdale 1 by 38 points at Shell Road.
Grubber youngsters Oliver Monteith and Fletcher Sharrock both kicked three goals apiece.
Final scores Ocean Grove 15.9 (99) to Drysdale 9.7 (61).
Ocean Grove 2 went down by 46 points against a combined Bannockburn/South Barwon team in their under-18 Division 4 clash at Victoria Park in Bannockburn.
Ocean Grove pair Sam Beasley and Craig Goodger were both named in the best for the visitors.
Final scores Bannockburn/South Barwon 13.9 (87) to Ocean Grove 5.11 (41).
BFL SENIORS SCOREBOARD
TORQUAY 14.7 (91)
DEFEATED OCEAN GROVE 11.5 (71)
Ocean Grove
Goals: D. Freeman 4, K. Williams 2, J. Milnes, T. Gavin, B. Taylor, M. King, J. Linton.
Best: H. Walker, A. Baxter, K. Williams, J. Teague, M. King, J. Pumphrey.
