Tara Murray
The top of the table clash in the Ballarat Netball League between Darley and North Ballarat turned into a thriller, with the teams having to settle for a draw.
Last season’s two grand finalists have been the standouts this season, with the only defeat for either team coming in the first match up between the sides.
On Saturday, the Devils got out to an early lead, before North Ballarat took a one goal lead into quarter time.
Scores were level at half time and again at three quarter time. The two sides still couldn’t be split at the final siren, with the match finishing in a 51-all draw.
Devils coach Di McCormack said it was a really good game of netball.
“We got a good jump on them and led 6-1 before they fought back and it was a really good match from there.
“We started with Bec [Hicks] on the bench and gave Liv [Cawthray] the opportunity to start with Mon [Nagle] starting with her.
“After the first little bit it went well, there was a little bit of physicality and she stepped it up.”
McCormack continued to try things in her shooting end, with Hicks coming on at goal attack and Cawthray back at goal shooter.
She said at this point of the season it was the perfect opportunity to make sure they have all bases covered.
“They were different elements,” she said. “We wanted to see how it works.
“It wasn’t a knee jerk reaction, they were strategy for the next time we meet them.
“We haven’t had that luxury in a long time.”
Hicks shot 24 goals for the Devils, while Cawthray shot 23 goals.
McCormack said that midcourter Shannon Blackman was their best player having a fantastic game.
The Devils remain on top, four points clear of North Ballarat.
McCormack said they were confident of having a big finals series as they aim to go one better than last year.
“It feels like the year that Rupo [Rupertswood, where most of the team is from] won the grand final,” she said.
“There’s a really good vibe and the ability to come together under pressure.”
McCormack said while it would be nice to go through undefeated, the main focus for them was to have as many tools in the tool box as possible for finals.
The Devils face Melton South and Melton in the next two rounds, both which sit outside the top six.
They then finish the season against third placed Sunbury Lions. McCormack said while they were taking it week by week, the Lions challenge was one they were looking forward to.
In positive signs for the club, the under-19 side is on top an undefeated as well, while the B-grade and C-grade teams are also in the top three.
In other A-grade matches, Melton lost to the Sunbury Lions, 69-31, while Melton South beat Bacchus Marsh, 82-28.
