The wet weather and Redan proved no match for Darley on Saturday in the Ballarat Football League.
In pouring rain, it was the Devils that adjusted to the conditions better with Redan, the top side, left shocked.
The Devils had a massive 21 scoring shots in the tough conditions, on their way to a 10.11 (71)-4.4 (28) win.
Devils coach Heath Scotland said it was the best football that they’ve played in a while.
“It was more about the process and we got it right for four quarters,” he said.
“It was a more even performance with 22 players playing their role.
“It’s the strongest performance we have put out in a while.”
Scotland said one of the most pleasing things was their ability to restrict the Lions’ scoring ability.
“Restricting the highest scoring team of the competition to 28 points and still being able to score was really good.
“Our backline as a collective restricted them to 26-27 inside 50s.
“It was one of those games that everything clicked.”
Jake Edwards kicked four goals for the Devils, with Scotland saying he was in really good form.
While it was a team performance from the Devils, there was one standout.
“Nick Graham was a class above and he made a huge difference in the game.
“You can tell someone who is coming back from the AFL. He and his brother [Brian Graham] in the middle were standouts.”
The win moves Darley to second on the ladder, percentage behind new ladder leaders East Point.
The two sides face each other this week.
Scotland said this game is the third in a block of games they targeted.
They are 2-0 in the first two of those games.
“We knew it would be challenging,” he said.
“The target was to win two of those three matches and now hopefully three from three would be great.
“It’s put a gap between us and fourth.”
Scotland said the aim for Darley for the second half of the season was to add a bit more consistency to the team.
He said they were starting to have senior players return to the side which would help.
“We’re still unsettled and we haven’t played our best football,” he said.
“If we stay consistent we have shown we can beat good teams. But our worst is with the bottom sides.”
In other results, it was a tough weekend for Melton, Melton South and Bacchus Marsh.
Melton lost to Ballarat 5.9 (39)-3.6 (24), with the Bloods kicking just one goal after quarter time. New ladder leaders East Point beat Bacchus Marsh 5.8 (38)-1.6 (12).
North Ballarat City proved too strong for Melton South, winning 14.20 (104)-3.1 (19).
MORE BFL NEWS
https://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-lions-kick-two-goals-but-still-win/
