Clashing for the cup

By Jessica Howard

The rivalry between Darley and Bacchus Marsh has grown as the junior football and netball clubs fight to lay claim to a new perpetual trophy.

The inaugural cup will be awarded to the junior club who earn the most amount of points during the biggest rival match of the year.

Darley Junior Football and Netball Club president, Matt Colley said all senior sides would be awarded two points for a win and one point for the reserves.

“Those eligible to win points include the under-12 to 16s in football and the under-13 to 17s in netball,” he said.

“The respective teams will pick up points for each win, which will be tallied at the end of the day. The team with the most amount of points will have their name engraved on the trophy”.

The perpetual cup is named after two representatives from each club – Darley’s John Thacker and Bill Closter from Bacchus Marsh.

“Johnny is a past coach for the junior football team and has been a long-term volunteer for both the junior and senior sides,” Mr Colley said.

“He is a very well-known man around the club, alongside his wife Cathy, both of who have been a tremendous help to the club for a very long time”

Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club president, Adam Sutherland said Billy Closter had dedicated around 40-years to the Cobras.

“Billy was a junior president back in 1994 and has also held the role of junior and senior coach, as well as senior president,” he said.

“He is a Life Member of both the junior and senior clubs, with his daughter playing netball, his sons both playing and coaching and his wife being a wonderful member of the committee.

“I basically couldn’t think of a more deserving person to be recognised than him”.

Bacchus Marsh and Darley Junior Football and Netball Clubs will go head-to-head this Sunday, April 30 at Darley Park.