Tara Murray
Things are coming together nicely for Darley In the Ballarat Netball League.
The Devils are one of the big improvers this season, with the side losing just one game so far.
For coach Di McCormack she said they were happy with how things were placed going into back-to-back byes.
“We’ve only lost one game and we had a few out of that game,” she said. “The group team has come together really nicely.
“We’ve been able to try some different combinations and try things out, which has been good. The team is really gelling.”
A big part of the group played together last year, but due to player points were limited how much they could play together on the court at the same time.
With a bit more freedom with points and a few key additions, the side has really thrived.
The addition of Rebecca Hicks has been a big one. Hicks predominantly plays in attack, but she defended in a couple of games as well.
McCormack said Hicks adds some experience to the shooting end.
“We needed a player on Tuesday nights and Ailish [McCormack] had played with her before and rang her to play at Parkside.
“She was unhappy at the Western Rams and we said we will have you at Darley.
“Her experience on the line and working with Liv [Cawthray] in the circle has been really good. With Bec, Prue [Stanley] and Ailish, we have a lot of experience in that end.”
McCormack said Cawthray, who is still yet to turn 18, is developing nicely.
The Devils under-19s, B-grade and C-grade sides all sit in the top five after strong starts to the season.
Many girls are playing two games across those three grades.
“It takes a lot to fill six sides each week,” she said. “We’re a little short on players and most of the under-19s are playing either B-grade or C-grade.
“Coming up against some of the Ballarat teams they have a lot of experienced players. We’ve got some experienced heads in both those sides who are working well with the young players.”
One thing really pleasing McCormack is players from the junior program coming through into the senior ranks, some as young as 15.
She said it’s good signs for the future of the club.
The Devils have a bye this weekend and will be off the court next week, with the Queen’s Birthday weekend competition bye.
McCormack said that wasn’t the worst thing for the group.
“We’ve played a lot of netball across the board, it’s good to refresh the bodies and mindset.
In other results.
