38
www.oceangrovevoice.com
grove footy
Heartbreak MARK HEENAN
OCEAN Grove coach Shane Jack admits the heart-breaking two-point loss against Torquay on June 28 had stung the playing group. The match reached a pulsating climax where the visitors held on in spite of a late fourth quarter onslaught by the Grubbers at Ocean Grove. Two near misses on goal from gun Grubber inclusion Max Rooke outside the 50m arc almost gave Ocean Grove victory in the dying moments of play. Despite the Grubbers hitting the lead in a gripping final term, the Tiger backs stood tall as the home side kicked with the aid of a breeze. Torquay’s win moved it to second place on percentage with a 9-3 record, while Ocean Grove (9-3) dropped back to third spot on the BFL ladder. Jack said the disappointment on the face of his players in the rooms after the final siren was evident. “I just locked the players away and said to them ‘we don’t accept losing’,” Jack told the Voice. “I could really see the
SCOREBOARD OCEAN GROVE 12.14.86 def by TORQUAY 13.10.88 GOALS: M. Rooke 3, S. Jack 3, A. Higgins 2, S. Fairway, L. Rock, D. Freeman, A. O'Callaghan BEST: K. Long, P. Maloney, A. Higgins, J. McTaggart, J. Rawlings, B. Poulter
disappointment in the boys faces, I think they are realising we don’t accept losing and I just mentioned that after the game. “We are not going to get pats on the back for a two-point loss – that is not what we are about.” Torquay snapped a three-game losing streak against the Grubbers. Prior to the round 12 clash, Ocean Grove claimed two of its last three victories against Torquay by less than 13 points, including last year’s three-point nailbiting elimination final. Torquay playing coach Craig McCaughan was satisfied with the way his side stayed in front in a grand stand finish. “We grinded away, it was a tough win,” McCaughan told the Voice after the match. “We always have good
contests against Ocean Grove, we both match up really well against each other. “I think we are very similar, we are both hard bodied.” For the visitors, the shared presence of former Richmond and Essendon AFL player Ty Zantuck, Matthew Johnston and Isaac Baker up forward proved a valuable mix. Zantuck, Johnston and Baker all kicked two goals apiece for Torquay. Meanwhile Jack and Rooke, who both spent the bulk of the first quarter in defence, kicked three goals each for the Grubbers. Ocean Grove youngster Andy Higgins continued his good form and kicked two goals, while Patrick Maloney and Kaiden Long played serviceable games down back.
Aaron O'Callaghan lays a strong tackle. Pictures: LINDSAY KELLEY
Liam Rock and Max Rooke in action.
Jack Rawlings fights for possession.
Kelly Williams attempts to feed the ball out to Luke Sinnott.