Grove’s in top gear

Finals race heats up for premier contenders

OCEAN Grove’s premiership quest heats up tomorrow with a road trip to take on fourthplaced Sebastopol.

With the toughest run home of the finals contenders, the importance of the round 16 clash looms as crucial.

Two shots separated the sides in Round 7 at Ocean Grove and all signs indicate this week will be similar.

Captain Tony Joel has the confidence his playing group is ready to accept the challenge.

“We have not really reached our full potential at any stage yet this season, the positive for us is as finals approach we have a great opportunity to compete against three likely finalists, that may make us or may break us but we are ready for that challenge,” Joel said.

Sebastopol will welcome back skipper Rob Baker after missing last week, while for Ocean Grove Jeff Howarth will come in for his second game of the season in place of Faye Richardson.

At the other end of the scale, Eastern Park last week took a major step in consolidating its position in the competition for next season.

With relegation still a possibility, the Parkers’ form since Christmas has lifted the side to a safe position with three rounds to play.

“The response from the group has been pleasing, we tweaked our side and that has resulted in only five rink losses since the break,” coach Nathan Bush said.

“We are excited for the next three weeks and there is a great vibe among the playing group.”

John Monahan will return to the greens for Queenscliff when it hosts Webbcona after missing last week due to the birth of his daughter.

Webbcona is quickly running out of chances to demonstrate its full potential as it languishes in the relegation zone of ninth.

Top side Bareena should have too much firepower for BMS at home, while Lara will need to show its versatility when it heads down the highway to take on Victoria.

A win to Lara in this match and it will be the side to watch in the final couple of home and away rounds.