Darling Range Sports College claim Eagles Senior Schoolboys Cup Friday, June 30, 2023 - 11:04 AM

Darling Range Sports College claimed the 2023 Eagles Senior Schoolboys Cup after an unbeaten year.

Darling Range beat Churchlands Senior High School by 13 points 3.5 (23) to 1.4 (10) on Wednesday at McGillivray Reserve in Mt Claremont.

Brad Smith and Darren Rumble have been co-coaching Darling Range for the past two years and the victory capped off a stellar year.

“I could see it meant a lot to the players,” Smith said.

“Darren and I were very keen to teach the group about the team aspect of the game.

“At their age, naturally they want to do individual things and hit their individual targets, so getting them all to buy in to the team aspect, helped us.”

Smith added it was a real team effort to remain unbeaten throughout the season and win the Cup.

“We couldn't have had a successful season without the help of Shaun Clifford and Liam Adams,” Smith said.

“Shaun is our Head Of Sport and always made sure we had the resources available to prepare the players. His experience in and around the school football space was terrific. 

“Liam was our backs coach and his general support made our life easier.”

The game began with great commitment and intensity from both sides, with both teams defending extremely well and by halftime both teams remained goalless.

Following the halftime break Darling Range were first to attack and score a major before piling on another two goals in quick succession.

Churchlands kicked a major before the final siren, but it was not enough to stop Darling Range who were on a roll and claimed a 13-point victory 3.5 (23) to 1.4 (10).

Churchlands Senior High School coach David Bongiascia was extremely proud of his players.

“You can never question the boy’s attitude or approach to their footy,” he said.

“We put up a really strong defensive effort to keep Darling Range goalless in the first half, unfortunately though, we just weren’t able to execute on the offensive end.

“Full credit to Darling Range for the season they produced – they were a classy, well-coached and well-drilled unit."

Judd Cheshire, from Darling Range, was named best on ground and named the Rhys Kampen Medallist for best team player for the competition. Aden McDonald was named best afield for Churchlands. 

Jud Cheshire with West Coast Eagles Captain Luke Shuey

“Judd is the ultimate professional,” Smith said.

“We come into work of a morning, and he is already in the gym doing his daily exercises. 

“We saw early on he would sacrifice his game for the betterment of the team.

“We were quite lucky with this group as there are plenty who are just terrific to have around. 

“Noah Murray and Liam Cooley are two who were also pivotal in our success this season, great young people who are both involved in the undefeated Perth Colts team.

This year, saw the profile of the Top Division increase, with West Coast Eagles providing sponsorship and naming rights for the competition.

For the first time in the competition’s history, the game was streamed live by Streamer, the replay can be watched here.