Devils bank win on the road

MORE fancied Darley were forced to dig deep on the road to hold off a gallant Sebastopol by 19 points at Marty Busch Reserve.

The Devils led by eight points at three quarter time and were kicking into the breeze for the last quarter, asking questions of Dan Jordan’s group, struggling to find their best.

But, as good teams often do, the Devils found a way, not for a moment taking the result for granted as Jordan praised the efforts of an undermanned Burra outfit in the aftermath.

Devils key defender Matthew Brett was named best on ground ahead of the Cadman brothers Joel and Duncan, Brady Wright and midfielders Adam Azzopardi and Matt Denham.

On a day where goals came at a premium, it was Wright and Wil Johnson (three goals each) that proved the difference on the scoreboard.

For the Burra, selfless leader Tony Lockyer (one goal) was lauded for his effort on Brett Bewley, ahead of an experienced group of contributors who went down despite ‘pride in the jumper’ performances – namely Luke Kiel (two goals), Bailey Medwell, Ryan Noether, Daniel Widgery and Ryan Birthesel.

Both sides will welcome not only this weekend off, but their upcoming byes in round nine (Darley) and round 11 (Sebastopol); a chance to regroup and replenish ahead of a season defining conclusion.

HOW THE COACHES RATED THEIR PERFORMANCE

Jordan (Darley): “Proud of our boys today. Credit to Sebastopol, they really came to play and challenged us in all areas. The Burra will test a few sides above them on the way home for sure. Our boys showed some ‘ticker’ into the breeze in the last quarter to get the points.”

Lockyer (Sebastopol): “Extremely proud of the boys today. A great contest against a quality side played in great spirit. Darley took their chances going forward in the second half and we missed a few that could have impacted the result. Credit to them getting it done after a couple of losses. Looking forward to a week off after a big eight game stretch.”

BACKS – Jordan (Darley): “Solid contribution from our back half. Was pleased with their output restricting a persistent opposition to seven goals.”

MIDS – Jordan (Darley): “I’d say we broke even on the whole in this area over the day. We were made to work hard for any advantage with the ball and for periods without.”

FORWARDS – Jordan (Darley): “Rapt with the returns of Brady Wright and Wil Johnson who were able to kick three goals each in a low scoring game. Could easily have been the difference in a relatively low scoring affair in breezy conditions.”

Final Scores

Sebastopol 1.1-7, 4.3-27, 6.5-41, 7.8-50 lost to Darley 4.3-27, 5.4-34, 7.7-49, 10.9-69

Sebastopol (Best): T.Lockyer, L.Kiel, B.Medwell, R.Noether, D.Widgery, R.Birthesel.

Sebastopol (Goals): L.Kiel 2, T.Hutt, T.Lockyer, L.Mason, J.McDonald, M.Johnson.

Darley (Best): M.Brett, J.Cadman, B.Wright, Ad.Azzopardi, D.Cadman, M.Denham.

Darley (Goals): B.Wright 3, W.Johnson 3, J.Cadman 2, B.Bishop, D.Bishop.