Sunbury Lions’ hopes of back-to-back premierships came crashing down as a red hot Darley came away with the trophy in the Ballarat Netball League.
The top side all season, the Lions had limped into the grand final with injuries and not playing their best form.
Darley, the only side to beat the Lions this season, was hoping to finally break through for its first A-grade premiership in its fourth straight grand final.
The Devils did a lot of the work early and were able to extend the margin to five goals at the last break.
The margin had been out to as much as eight before the Lions showed that fighting spirit it had been known for the past couple of years.
It was back to one goal late in the final quarter, but the Lions weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities.
The Devils capitalised and were able to get the margin back out to win, 51-46.
Bailey said that Darley was outstanding and deserved to get the premiership.
“They were awesome defensively,” she said. “We maybe should have made a couple of changes earlier.
“That is what happens. Luck of the draw.
“We lacked a bit of connection there which we have for a few weeks. We’ll put it together and work out what we did and come back bigger and better next year.”
Bailey said not having goalkeeper Elly Randall, who broke her arm, was a big loss for them.
She said Tayla Honey did an awesome job in goal defence but it had unsettled their line up a little bit.
“Tay did an awesome jon and Eliza [Gollant] did a good job,” she said. “I think Olivia Cawthray almost shot 100 per cent.”
Bailey said when they had got it back to one goal they just needed to make sure they converted their opportunities.
“I knew we would get a momentum swing [if they were level],” she said. “It just wasn’t to be.
“A couple of silly mistakes.
“They were just far too composed and too good on the day.”
Caitlin Hill had a strong game, shooting 25 goals.
Bailey said Georgia Hellyer made an impact when she came back on into wing attack.
Abigail Inglis had some key moments late in the game to give her side an opportunity.
It was a mixed day for the Lions.
They had five of their six netball teams in grand finals.
The C-grade and D-grade sides were the only teams to come away with premierships.
Bailey said she was really proud of the whole club.
“Really happy with those two and they are hard to win,” she said. “We’ll go back and celebrate our season.
“Just because you don’t win a grand final it means that your season has been a failure.
“It’s been really successful. We’re really happy with what we’ve done this season.
“It makes us a bit hungrier for next year.”
