Tara Murray
Things are travelling along nicely for Darley in the Ballarat Netball League.
Last season’s runners-up had some changes in the off season and have gone with a bit of younger line up, but it’s done little to halt the Devils.
After six rounds the Devils are undefeated, with their wins including victories against North Ballarat and the Sunbury Lions, who are both expected to be among the mix.
Devils coach Di McCormack said they were really happy with how things were going along so far.
“They are training really hard and nearly all the A-grade side are at training and working together,” she said.
“It has been really good. We haven’t just bought in players. Anna Lawley has been a great pick up, but her partner is set to be at the club as well.
“They are gelling really well. We haven’t even had Shannon [Blackman] play.
McCormack said one of the most pleasing things was seeing the development of some of the younger players.
She highlighted Jaimee Smith who has been in the A-grade the last couple of years and is now getting consistent minutes.
Another is Lucy Taylor, who is in her first year in A-grade, and is getting more court time than she expected.
The other is Ella Closter, who is showing she can play both goal shooter and goal attack.
“This group listens really well,” she said. “They’re learning to work the ball really well.”
McCormack said while they’re happy with how things are tracking, there’s still things that they can improve on.
She said the end to the game against the Sunbury Lions, which they won by four goals, was a case and point of that.
“We should have won that game by eight,” she said. “We had four fantastic turnovers in the last minute and turned the ball straight back by rushing.
“It’s a bit of a habit and we did it in the grand final last year. We get flustered. It’s something we’re aware of and that we need to work on.”
The Devils this week faced Melton.
They were able to come way with another win, beating the Bloods, 61-33.
Ella Closter shot 34 goals for the Devils to lead all scorers on court.
For the Bloods, Kimberley Philipps shot 20 goals.
The Devils sit top, while the Bloods are in ninth spot.
Meanwhile, Melton South beat Sebastopol 48-40.
Tahnysha Salanoa shot 24 goals for the Panthers.
The Panthers sit in second spot.
