Tara Murray
Darley put out one of its best performances of the Ballarat Netball League season on Saturday to seal a preliminary final spot.
The Devils started strongly against Melton South and were able to continue to build the lead up over the next three quarters.
With the game over at three quarter time, the Devils’ switched some players around, with every player getting on the court.
They would claim the win 63-27.
Devils coach Di McCormack was thrilled with the performance. The last time the two teams played the Panthers had won easily.
“We played exceptionally well,” she said. “Melton South had one or two out, but we still played very well.
“We came out strong with 20 goals and played to the game plan, we didn’t vary from it and stayed with it all day.”
McCormack said the defence work for Grace Markovic and Matilda Elliot was really good early on, with the side getting 10 to 15 goals due to their work.
Another factor McCormack said was the experience of their side compared to that of the Panthers.
The Panthers were playing in their first A-grade final series, with a number of younger players. Soli Ropati, one of their more experienced players, sat on the side lines with a hamstring injury.
While the Devils are stranger to finals, the majority of the side played together for Rupertswood in the Riddell District Netball League, including winning the 2019 A-grade premiership.
McCormack said it was good to get everyone on the court, as it gave them the opportunity to look at different combinations they might need throughout the rest of finals.
“It was good to see,” she said. “There was no panic, it was nice solid settled netball.”
Speaking before their preliminary final opponent was decided, McCormack said they were confident no matter who they faced.
North Ballarat won the other semi final against Redan earning the first grand final spot. The Devils now face Redan in the preliminary final.
It was a mixed day for the Devils with their under-19s also winning through to the preliminary final, while their B-grade and C-grade were knocked out.
“The Bs and Cs should have won,” said McCormick. “We had a number of young girls in both of those teams.
“In b-grade our average age is 17. We lost our goalkeeper during the game with a concussion and broken arm.
“Losing a defender when you’re playing well hurts. Our C-grade has a number of players who are 15-16.
“The other teams were a little more experienced.
“The 19s had a good solid game and they will be confident this week.”
