A North Ballarat City outfit determined to avoid a straight-sets
exit from Ballarat Football League finals made short work of Darley in
the first semi-final on Sunday.
North City was back to its best after a surprise defeat against Redan a week earlier, dominating early and beating the Devils 16.10 (106) to 7.11 (53).
Six goals to none in the first quarter put North Ballarat City in control and left Darley with too much to do.
A week after rallying from 35 down at half-time to beat East Point, Darley could not repeat the magic against the minor premier.
After copping a spray for a “nightmare” first quarter from coach
Rod MacPherson, Darley came out with genuine intent in the second
quarter. The Devils kicked three goals within 10 minutes to bring the
margin back to 18 points, but that was close as they would get.
Darley was 19 behind at three-quarter time, with Shaun Lyle’s goal two minutes into the last quarter enabling North Ballarat City to breathe easier.
Two more goals by the 15-minute mark of the quarter had North
Ballarat City assured of victory on the way to booting seven goals to
Darley’s one in the final term.
“They chopped us up out of the midfield early and gutted us,” MacPherson said.
“I think we took for granted that we were going to be able to
flick the switch like last week. But North didn’t win 15 games in the
home and away because they are a soft outfit.”
Looking forward, MacPherson said his club was in good shape.
“We’re starting to get things together in the juniors and that’s what you need for consistent success,” he said.
North Ballarat City will meet Redan for the second time in three weeks in this Saturday’s preliminary final.
Sunbury advanced to the grand final at Redan’s expense by winning the second semi-final 12.15 (87) to 7.15 (57) on Saturday.
