FOOTY
Seniors
Darley 9.13.67 def North Ballarat 8.7.55
Goal scorers: H. Inglis (3), A. Azzopardi, R. Matricardi, B. Myers, L. Spiteri, J. Tanner, B. Wright
Best on: Matthew Brett, Brett Bewley, Andrew Azzopardi, Matt Denham, Mitchell Hovey, Darcy Marticardi
In a much anticipated GF replay it was North Ballarat who took the ascendancy early with the breeze and kicked three first quarter goals to none, albeit through a few of our own errors.
The boys regrouped at quarter time and started to really lift around the contest with Bewley and Denham getting to work at the fall of ball and Mitch Hovey starting to give us good looks in the ruck.
The welcome back inclusion from Matty Brett was evident to see as he patrolled the backline with significant aerial presence, aided by partners in crime Le Huray and D Cadman.
We were able to control for the most part the final three quarters with some good run from D Matricardi, A Azzopardi and J Cadman. Our forwards in Brady Wright and Tanner filled the void of the injured Myers in the air and our smalls Inglis (3g) and Spiteri gave us some good pressure at ground level.
North kept coming but we were able to hold our nerve and come away with momentum-continuing two goal win.
Look forward to a huge game against the in-form East Point next week!
Go Devils.
DJ
Reserves
Darley 4.12.36 def by North Ballarat 16.10.106
Goal scorers: J. Taylor (2), T. Angwin, C. Murley
Best on: Dylan Beecham, Jackson Vella, Cooper Murley, Jake Ancrum, Ryan Densley, Noah Baker
We were pumped, primed and confident of getting the win. Last time on their track we lost by seven points, and with the 22 players available, we felt it was ours to lose.
Guess what? North had the same idea, and they played their way and took the points from us.
The first half was tight with only eight points separating both sides at half time. My message at half time was I felt we were going well but the boys had more to give, and to beat a top four team, we had to continue to play our game to succeed.
Unfortunately for us our lack of fitness started to show causing us to allow North first use of the footy, causing us to waste too much energy chasing.
Although we battled through the second half, North’s talent and game plan was too much for us – my troops were exhausted.
I’m always proud of the efforts my players show, sometimes as hard as we try the opposition is that little bit better.
We went down by 70 points in the end but we will front up again next week and play our hearts out for the Darley family.
Coach Cam
Under 19s
Darley 6.13.49 def by North Ballarat 13.9.87
Goal scorers: N. Cadman (2), D. Fawcett (2), C. Growcott, G. Hatcher
Best on: Tane Mason-palma, Deacon Fawcett, Chase Sanders, Nicholas Cadman, Jye Caruana, Cooper Growcott
Womens
Darley 17.20.122 def Lake Wendouree 2.2.14
Goal scorers: K. Bessell (5), M. Clarke (3), M. Pontisso (3), J. Dalgleish (2), L. Condon, E. Hitch, M. Le Huray, M. Rawlings
Best on: Matilda Rawlings, Charlotte Hill, Macy Le Huray, Emmerson Hitch, Jaye Dalgleish, Lilli Condon
After a loss in our previous game and then the bye round, the players were ready for this game – you could see it in their eyes as they were getting ready.
Our focus is and will be to continue to improve each week, and they did not disappoint from the first bounce.
This was by far the best four quarter game of the season with the entire team was involved from the start. Previously our games have been played in patches during quarters by players stepping up, but this game was entirely different.
We got on the board very quickly in the first quarter, with some great linking up and players remaining calm as they moved the ball looking for their teammates. At quarter time, we had built a lead with the scores being 5.6.30 to 1.0.6.
This team showed what they can accomplish when everyone pulls and plays together, and their mind and focus is set on what they can achieve.
Our next game is this Saturday 21st July where we will play our cross-town rivals Bacchus Marsh at 5.15 pm at Darley Park.
It would be great to see as many as possible come out to support and barrack for our women’s team.
Brett Faulkhead, Coach
NETBALL
Under 19s
Darley 34 def North Ballarat 33
Best players: Chelsea Mason, Addison Wright
Goal scorers: G. Gorman-Jacobs, S. Mason, T. McCleish
Another win for our 19s in a close grand final rematch against North Ballarat.
There were many good passages of play throughout the game with some important early turnovers in defence which gave us a lead at quarter time.
North came out just as strong as we expected and we were able to meet them at every ball.
The game remained close through all four quarters going goal for goal, however heading into the fourth quarter we made a few errors which north were able to capitalise on.
In the final minutes we managed to come away with a one goal win.
Although not having the larger margin we achieved and hoped for through the game, we were happy to add another win to the season
Sophia
E Grade
Darley 21 drew North Ballarat 21
Best players: Isabella DiMieri, Lisa Kight
Goal scorers: I. DiMieri, K. Libbis, L. Kight
Being our second time playing north this season it was great being able to see how much we have come together as a team.
Our goal circle of Bella and Keeley kept the defenders heads moving and we had some great passages of play throughout.
We had the lead at 3/4 time however by the end we finished with a draw.
A lot of positives coming out of the week off with the girls continuing to back and support one another.
Looking forward to the next game against east point.
Lisa
D Grade
Darley 34 def by North Ballarat 37
Best players: Megan Jackson, Ash Byron
Goal scorers: M. Jackson, S. Johnson, M. O’Hehir
A strong game from our girls this week. We showed a lot of consistency and played out a brilliant four quarters.
The ball movement from defence to attack was effortless and our turnovers and second efforts were to thank for that.
It’s always tough coming up against North Ballarat, and we definitely showed them we are a team with determination and grit!
Looking forward to taking on a couple of the top sides in the weeks to come and to show how much we truly have improved as a team since round one.
So proud of our girls.
Caitlin
C Grade
Darley 29 def North Ballarat 18
Best players: Alyssa Normington, Ava Densley
Goal scorers: A. Harris, B. Ellis, T. Burnett
An awesome effort from the C grade girls this week with a win against North Ballarat 29-18.
It was a slow start to the game but once the girls backed each other and had their head in the game the quality of netball played improved immensely.
Our new dynamic shooting duo, Alex and Ebony, played an amazing game as well as our defensive side Holly, Alyssa and Lauren.
Our hands over pressure and one on one defence improved throughout the game, especially from our midcourters Ava D and Ruby.
Well done girls, bring on East Ballarat next weekend!
Brittney
B Grade
Darley 34 def by North Ballarat 37
Best players: Holly B, Addison Wright
Goal scorers: S. Mason, T. Burnett, T. McCleish
A much better effort from B grade this week but unfortunately couldn’t come away with the win against north just falling short in the last quarter.
The last two rounds have seen the girls play with some consistency that we hope will continue through to the rest of the season.
It was great to welcome back Taleah into the goal ring.
Our defenders continued to dig deep and hustle for gains our way but unfortunately too many turn overs gifted north the opportunities to take the win.
We will re group and build on the efforts from the last couple weeks and hope to get a few more wins as we approach the end of the season
Kaylee
A Grade
Darley 39 def by North Ballarat 50
Best players: Ailish McCormack, Matilda Elliot
Goal scorers: O. Cawthray, M. Nagle
A disappointing loss for our A grade side against North Ballarat their long standing rivals.
It was unfortunate to see the team not at their usual standard and lacking their usual unbeatable connection and flow.
Some positives from the game was the last quarter when the team was able to bring the score back and really rally around each other.
The last quarter showed the fight and determination that our A grade side has.
We will take the loss under our belt and head to training with our heads held high knowing what we need to work on to continue to develop as a side.
Monique