It took until the last 15 minutes for Darley to shake off a determined Melton South at Darley Park in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
In the first three quarters the lead swapped between the teams and it looked as though the match would go to the wire.
After being beaten for much of the day, the Devils forwards got on top at the end to give the home side a 43-point win, 16.16 (112) to 11.3 (69).
PICTURE GALLERY: Darley v Melton South
Devils president Grant Wright said it was the perfect day to play football. “It was only the last 15 minutes that went Darley’s way. It wasn’t too wet and the sun came out, providing good conditions.”
He said many of the statistics favoured his side, but the Panthers’ backline stood tall for most of the game. “I think Darley had most of the play and the inside 50s, but they weren’t able to get a decent lead. Melton South’s backline defended really well.”
Wright said Steven Kennedy was clearly best on ground with four goals and would be close to leading the league’s best and fairest.
“We haven’t had the best start to the season with injuries. Players have started coming back over the past few weeks and finding form.
“Nathan Jackal played well this week after coming back from filming the television show
The Recruit. We also had a couple of first- gamers, Tom Evans and Benjamin Longden, who played well at their first opportunity.
For the Panthers, Marc Dransman kicked three goals and Anthony Hibbert was named “best.”
This week the Devils face East Point.
“I think the two sides are equal on points so it will be an interesting match,” Wright said. “All the teams, but North Ballarat City, are even. I had a look at the ladder and if we hadn’t drawn with Melton we would be in the top four. If you’d told me at the start of the season the injuries we’d have, I would have taken where we are now.”
In other games, Bacchus Marsh lost to Ballarat, 10.6 (66) to 3.10 (28). Trevor Hilton scored two of the Cobras’ goals. Adam Richardson was the best for the losers. Melton lost to North Ballarat City 11.10 (76) to 3.11 (29).
