Darley has grabbed bragging rights over local rival Bacchus Marsh yet again in the Ballarat Football League.
The Devils, who have been up and down at times this season, pulled off the upset on Saturday to record their fourth straight win against the Cobras.
The Devils set the win up in the first half, when they kicked eight goals to four.
After half-time it was closer, but the
Devils had done enough to win 14.7 (91)-9.14 (68).
Devils football manager Craig Baker said it was a terrific result considering Darley was undermanned.
He said coach Heath Scotland allocated jobs to certain players before the game, with their success going a long way to securing the win.
Four Darley backmen were given the toughest tasks.
Darren Leonard got moved into the ruck and did battle with the in-form Daniel Burton.
Burton was named the Cobras’ best, but Leonard did the job asked of him.
Jackson Carrick, Jacob Zeestraten and Rhys Ellis took on the Cobras’ three key forwards.
Carrick and Zeestraten kept their opponents to one goal each and were named in the Devils’ best.
Baker said those two, along with Steven Kennedy, who was the best midfielder on the ground, were the Devils’ standouts.
The win moves the Devils to third on the ladder, one game behind the Cobras.
But the Devils are only a game ahead of eighth-placed Sebastopol.
Baker said there was a lot of work ahead for the Devils leading up to finals.
“We’ve beaten Bacchus Marsh and North Ballarat City in the last few weeks,” he said.
“But we still have to play Sunbury, North Ballarat City, East Point and Lake Wendouree.
“It’s a tough run home.
“The place to finish the last few years has been third.
“I think this year will be different. The team that finishes sixth will give you a run for the money.”
Baker said it was likely to be a few weeks before they got back any of their wounded warriors.
“Maybe after the Lake Wendouree game we’ll get back Heath [Scotland] and Matt Young,” he said.
“Brian Graham and Dylan Reid won’t be back until later in the year.”
Saturday’s defeat means the Cobras slip from first to second.
Joining Burton as standouts for the Cobras were Jake Owen, who kicked four goals, and Trent Angwin.
In other results, Melton South pushed the Sunbury Lions for the first half before the
Lions kicked away for a 14.12 (96)-9.16 (70) victory.
Melton snuck home against Redan. The Bloods came from 16 points down at the last break to win 11.16 (82)-10.18 (78).
Lachlan and Jaycob Hickey were named the Bloods’ best.
