FOOTBALL
Seniors
Darley 19.7.121 def Sunbury 8.8.56
Best players: Matthew Brett, Lucas Impey, Alex Sweet, Will Johnson, Darcy Matricardi, Riley Matricardi
Goal scorers: W. Johnson (5), A. Sweet (4), B. Myers (3), J. Tanner (2), L. Baker, B. Bewley, D Fawcett, H. Inglis, R. Matricardi
In a much anticipated game it was Sunbury who took the early ascendancy but couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard.
Bewley, Denham and Baker started wrestling back the momentum ably assisted by Lucas Impey in the ruck.
Our forwards started to get some better looks and Johnson (5g) and Myers (3g) duly converted when got their opportunities.
A tight game saw us take a three goal lead into three quarter time on the back of some great defending from Matt Brett and Darcy Matricardi among others.
With the lessons of our round six defeat front of mind, the boys knuckled down and ran away with outstanding last quarter kicking nine goals to Sunbury’s one goal to run out convincing winners.
A mention to the evergreen Alex Sweet who kicked four goals after a late call up and was clean and clever at ground level.
We turn our attention to the big derby v BM next week.
Go Devils!
DJ
Reserves
Darley 4.2.26 def by Sunbury 21.21.147
Best players: Drew Locke, James McNair, Brodie Ward, Liam Noonan, Dylan Beecham, Christian Toner
Goal scorers: D. Locke
I am so proud of my team.
Every week we hit the field with an undermanned squad. Whether that being from injuries to the reserve squad or the first squad having injuries and taking players or illness or unavailability for any reasons, but even withstanding all of this, these guys always turn up with a positive attitude and give everything they have.
All the Darley army should be proud of them.
This week we took on the top team Sunbury. We knew it was going to be an uphill task but as my boys always do , they remained positive and prepared themselves for the contest.
Although we lost by a lot we tried to remain positive and keep ourselves upbeat and keep it fun.
We put one of our premium defenders, Drew Squirter Locke, to full forward with positive results – he kicked all our 4 goals.
We were out played by a very good opponent, it sucks a lot because Sunbury have been an arch rival for over 35 years, one day we will get bragging rites back.
We live and fight for two more gettable games. We have the Marsh next and my team says there’s no way their going down to them.
We will give our best
Coach Cam
Under 19s
Darley 2.4.16 def by Sunbury 19.13.127
Best players: Cayden Hewett, Cooper Growcott, Charlie Taylor, Mitchell Gardiner, Jye Caruana, Damon Nitschke
Goal scorers: C. Growcott, D. Nitschke
Womens
Darley 3.6.24 def Redan 0.9.9
Best players: Heidi Pearce, Amelia Williams Otutaha, Lilli Condon, Trinity Skenderis, Sarah Tabone, Emmerson Hitch
Goal scorers: K. Bessell (3)
The Qualifying final was set-up to see the two best teams playing each other with the winner going through to the Second Semi Final.
The stakes were high and even though Redan had beaten us three times and were undefeated for the season, and we again were missing some vital players, we were going into this game with belief that if we stuck to our game plan and everyone performed to their ability then our best would be good enough to win this game.
For those that were able to witness the game, they were treated to an absolutely outstanding display of football by the Darley Women’s Football Team.
From the first bounce all players were switched on with only one thing on their mind – we were not leaving this game without the ‘Victory’ against our name.
I have said it before and I will say it again, the belief and trust that these players have between each other is building a culture that is exciting to be a part of.
In a game where we were limited with rotations, only having one on the bench for the game, it was an entire team effort. They dug deep when it was their time with not one player shirking any contest. Players stood up when needed with a very special mention to Heidi Pearce who intercepted many of Redan’s attacks playing an outstanding game at full back.
Our midfield led by Condon, Skenderis, Tabone and Hitch received some silver service from Otutaha who is playing outstanding football in the ruck with Killeen, Le Huray and Hill also providing plenty of outside run.
A couple of players (Wilks and Taylor) were played in unusual positions, and they did not let their teammates down. Our backline stuck thick thwarting off many opposition attacking moves and our forward line gave us targets when we went forward.
It was an all-round team effort who have entrusted our process with the end results.
We now focus on and prepare for our next game this Sunday 18th August at Darley Park commencing at 12.45pm where we will play Bacchus Marsh in the 2nd Semi Final with the winner going through to the Grand Final.
If there was ever a game to come and support your women’s team, then this is the game to get behind them. Remember, we win this we go straight into the 2024 Grand Final.
Brett Faulkhead, Coach
NETBALL
Under 19s
Darley 49 def Sunbury 26
Best players: Chelsea Mason, Addi Wright
Goal scorers: E. Closter, S. Mason, T. Burnett
What a brilliant game our girls played in our 23 goal win over Sunbury.
Our first quarter was incredible as we kept Sunbury to scoring only three goals. Our defensive pressure last week was intense, with a massive shout out to Chelsea Mason who was hunting balls and earned us many important turn overs.
We welcomed back Maddy into the mid court this week who came on court seamlessly and had great movement of the ball.
Although we let Sunbury back on the scoreboard during the second quarter, our last half of the game showed our hard work and ability to remain in control of the ball.
The goalers did an awesome job working with each other which allowed Di to play different shooter combinations that worked terrifically.
Overall it was a great game and we are looking forward to finishing off the season strong!
Sophia
E Grade
Darley 21 def by Sunbury 41
Best players: Tianna Di Mieri, Charlotte Ogston
Goal scorers: T. Di Mieri, B. Di Mieri
The weather finally cleared up for us and with this being our second time playing Sunbury we were able to see some definite improvements in our performance.
We had some great patches of play with our third quarter being our most competitive.
A huge shout out to the Di Mieri sister duo who did an amazing job in the shooting circle.
Looking forward to the Bacchus derby this weekend
Lisa
D Grade
Darley 24 def by Sunbury 36
Best players: Ash Byron, Macey O’Hehir
Goal scorers: S Johnston, M. Jackson
A strong game from our D Grade girls this week.
Although the scoreboard may not seem like it, last time we came up against Sunbury they almost doubled our score, so a solid effort from everyone.
The weather worked in our favour this week unlike the last two weeks, and as always, heaps to work on at training to make sure we continue to finish the season strong.
We’re sitting seventh on the ladder so there’s still potential for us to make finals depending on our percentages at the end of the next two games.
Caitlin
C Grade
Darley 25 def Sunbury 23
Best players: Ellie Martin, Lauren Martin
Goal scorers: E. Raudino, B. Ellis, A. Harris
A brilliant game last week girls, with a close win against Sunbury 25-23.
The quality of netball played by the girls this week was so impressive to see. Although the girls were down by one for the first half of the game, they were able to create great pressure against Sunbury.
By the second half, the girls were able to really shake Sunbury and take advantage of their mistakes.
Our movement and passages of play down the court as well as our man on man pressure started to really pay off and help us with a two point lead.
Well done girls, it was once again, so good to see us play as team and support one another.
Bring on next week, let’s secure another rewarding win.
Brittney
B Grade
Darley 28 def by Sunbury 40
Best players: Ellie Martin, Kaylee Smith
Goal scorers: T. Burnett, A. Nagle, S. Mason
Overall it was a good effort from the B grade girls this week. Unfortunately it was not enough to get the win.
The girls were in the game, but Sunbury were too good in the end and capitalised on our mistakes in the attacking end.
There is no doubt we could have won this game and we will hopefully get them when it counts.
We look ahead to the final two games of the season where it will be a great opportunity to find some form again.
Bring on next week
Kaylee
A grade
Darley 47 def by Sunbury 55
Best players: Anna Lawley, Jaimee Smith
Goal scorers: E. Closter, O. Cawthray