Cobras stun Devils in local derby

Ruby Thomas getting tackled by Matilda Rawlings. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420267_14

Tara Murray

Bacchus Marsh stunned Darley in the local derby in the Ballarat Football League women’s competition on Saturday night.

The two sides were facing off for the third time this season, it was the Cobras that came out on top in horrible conditions.

It was the Devils that led at half time by five points with both teams finding it hard to score.

The Cobras kicked the only two goals of the second half to win, 4.4 (28)-2.1 (13).

Cobras coach Alan Johnson said from what he’s been told, it’s the first time the side has beaten Darley.

“It was very nice,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve beaten them, they were telling me last night.

“They were all really excited. It was a very young side and the way they went about the game was really good.

“Some had never played together before and they blended together. We all went back to the club rooms after the game and chatted.

“I think a few people were surprised by the score line.”

Johnson said it was a really wet, slippery and cold match with a really slippery ball.

He said his playing group continued to fight against a bigger bodied side in Darley before running away with it.

“Darley did get struck down by some injuries,” he said. “Both sides went down a player to make it fair.

“The run took its toll in the end. Young girls and young legs were able to run a bit faster and for longer.”

It was all single goal kickers for the Cobras.

Johnson said they had a number of contributors in the win,

“Chloe Walker played well for us in the first game,” he said. “Young Ruby Turner was good as was Jacinta [Reid]. Jamie-Lee [Speakman] and Elise Cook.

“Ella [Bradbury] was good in the ruck. Quite a few played well.

“Some of the young girls and some of the more senior heads.”

The win keeps the Cobras in second spot, while the Devils remain in second spot.

Johnson said a win like that gives the group plenty of confidence they are on the right track.

“The confidence a win like that gives,” he said. ‘We are pretty confident we have the ability to play good footy against the stronger teams.

“Finals would be a big achievement to get there. If we can win our last two games we will cement third spot.”

This Sunday, Bacchus Marsh is on the road against East Point, while Darley faces Carisbrook.