Grubbers close season in style
OCEAN Grove will be favoured to advance to the inaugural grand final of the Barwon Women’s Cricket Competition after underlining its flag credentials in the final home-andaway round.
The Grubbers were untouchable at times during the regular season and it was no different in the Round 8 fixture against St Joseph’s in a top-ofthe-table clash on Sunday at Ray Menzies Oval.
Ocean Grove reached 4-138 from its 20 overs and dismissed St Joseph’s for 56.
It will again meet Joeys in this weekend’s south conference semi-final.
Head of women’s cricket James Nessel said the Grubbers wanted to preserve their unbeaten status.
“I won’t pretend there’s not any sense that they are competitive and they do want to keep that record going as long as they can,” Nessel said.
“There will be that added pressure, I guess, but I’m sure we can handle it. It is a very enjoyable competition.”
Nessel said there would be nerves ahead of the chance to play off in a grand final.
“Probably not anxiety or anything like that but I’m sure there is a touch of nerves,” he said.
“If they’re anything like me, it’s every game you play. They certainly shouldn’t be — they’ve played well and earned their position.
“We’re interested in playing good cricket the way we want to play it and hopefully putting together a competitive performance.
“I think we’ve really achieved a great deal this year already and anything else is a bit of a bonus.”
Captain Jackie Johnston (183 runs, five wickets), Alana Kot (137 runs) and Tanya Taylor (108 runs) have been the leading performers for the team.
Nessel said Ocean Grove had benefited from being just one of three Bellarine-based clubs. “It’s a terrific idea and competition to get underway but obviously there aren’t many Bellarine clubs involved this year … we’ve got a large area and there is a lot of interest,” he said.
“That’s how we got the team we have and it’s been proving a winner for our club.”
Irrewarra and Manifold Heights will meet in the south conference semi-final.
Irrewarra and Ocean Grove will host finals after finishing as minor premiers.
The winners will meet in the final on February 16 at South Barwon Reserve.