A nine-goal haul from Darley’s Jake Edwards helped lift his side to a 53-point win against Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
Edwards was one of six goalkickers for the Devils in the 18.8 (116) to 8.15 (63) win.
PICTURE GALLERY: Darley v Bacchus Marsh
While there were many solid contributors for Bacchus Marsh, the Cobras couldn’t find one game-changing performer to control Edwards.
Darley coach Jarrod Edwards was rapt to come away with the four points.
“It definitely makes it a little easier when someone kicks nine goals. It was nine straight, too, which was even better,”
Edwards said.
“Most importantly, it was great to get away with a win. We identified during the week it was one we needed to get.”
Aside from Edwards’ heroics on the forward line, it was also a great defensive effort
from Darley. The Devils conceded just two goals in the second half.
“That defensive effort is something we’ve really been working on since the North City game, when they gave us a bit of a touch-up,” Edward said.
“It’s been about having a bit more of a defensive mindset and, at times, being a bit harder to score against.
“Bacchus Marsh is a good side and if you allow them to get on the outside they will really attack forward. To keep them to two goals in the second half was great.”
The result will have a big impact on the finals race, with Bacchus Marsh dropping to eighth on the ladder. The Cobras are one game plus percentage behind sixth-placed Sunbury.
Darley is entrenched in the top four.
Bacchus Marsh will have a chance to get its season back on track when it takes on struggling Sebastopol.
“I think it will be another close game,” Edwards said of the Devils’ clash with Melton.
“They gave Melton South a bit of a touch-up and this will obviously be a must-win game for them. If we knock them off, it gives us a bit of breathing room in that top six.”
