DARLEY opened the gap between itself and the pack chasing finals berths in Ballarat Football League after thrashing Ballarat by 61 points at Darley Park on Saturday.
The Devils delivered a hammer blow to Ballarat’s top-two hopes with a 12.18 (90) to 4.5 (29) win while improving to a two-game gap in sixth position on the ladder ahead of Melton South.
Darley started by kicking the first four goals and finished by kicking five to one in the second half.
Key forward Brendan Porter had a day out, booting six goals for the third consecutive week, finishing off the good upfield work of his teammates.
While Ballarat’s less than stellar effort mirrored its previous loss to Sunbury a fortnight ago as injury and absences took their toll, credit must go to Darley, which had its most impressive performance of the year to date.
The Devils ran the Swans down and destroyed them with their spread and carry through the midfield and off half-back.
Darley coach Rod MacPherson was very pleased with the way his team is shaping up after two consecutive wins against top four opponents.
“We have won four games away and only one at home this year so we want to be more effective at home,” he said.
“Our level of effort was fantastic today but we just want to get back to a team that has respect in the league.”
Harley Inglis, Jarrod Edwards and Jake Edwards were Darley’s best on a dominant day for the home team.
– Ballarat Courier
