It’s been a while coming, but Darley has finally got its second win of the Ballarat Netball League season.
The Devils have had moments of brilliance this season, but haven’t been able to sustain it for a full four quarters.
Even on Saturday, as the Devils put the four points in the pocket against Ballarat, they had moments they would rather forget.
Devils coach Renee Hulls was relieved to get the 49-42 win, which was only sealed in the final quarter.
“We were overdue for a win,” she said. “Half way through the second quarter we had a six to seven goal lead and we needed to put the foot down. Ballarat instead got back into the game.
“Credit to our girls who regrouped. Amanda Wilson in defence was great and got a few intercepts and we rewarded her at the other end.
“She’d come off a couple of weeks off with an achilles injury and she shut Kelly [Moran] down.” Sixteen year-old Melanie Freeman was best on court, shooting 26 goals.
Hulls, who shot 23 goals herself, said she was thrilled with the development of Freeman who didn’t start the season in the A-grade team.
“She jumped at the chance,” she said.
“It was a chance to get her to experience what A-grade netball is like and I’m proud of her. It’s been a big jump and she’s learning every week.”
Hulls said the key for the side now was to play consistent netball for longer periods of time. “We’ve played some great netball, but one quarter has been letting us down. We have the talent, we’ve just got to put it together.”
The win keeps the Devils finals hopes alive and with a favourable draw in the run home, Hulls hasn’t given up hope of a top six finish.
The Devils, sitting ninth, sit three games outside the top six.
“We have bye and looking at the draw, if we’re lucky enough to play four quarters of consistent netball every week, I think we can still finish in sixth spot.
“Everyone can beat anyone, so we have to play our best netball.”
On Saturday Bacchus Marsh had their biggest win in years, knocking off last year’s premiers East Point. The Cobras led at every break but couldn’t break away from the Kangaroos until late in the game, winning 47-41.
Cobras goalkeeper Linda Powell was named best on court. The Cobras are now eighth on the ladder.
Melton and Melton South both had byes.
