JAMES Sheahan Catholic High School is well on its way to creating a Marianne Murphy Shield dynasty after securing its third consecutive title on Thursday afternoon.
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Orange High School has controlled the inter-school series since its inception in 2002, winning the first seven titles and another in 2011.
However in recent years Orange High’s dominance has waned and momentum has swung toward James Sheahan, a trend which continued as the latter secured victories in all divisions’ grand finals on Thursday to secure the 2014 title.
James Sheahan retained the shield on the back of three undefeated campaigns in the junior, intermediate and senior divisions.
The Marianne Murphy Shield is awarded to the school with the highest cumulative point score across the three divisions, with James Sheahan (42) finishing 14 points clear of second-placed Kinross on 38. Orange High (20), Canobolas Rural Technology High (17) and Orange Anglican Grammar (9) finished third, fourth and fifth respectively.
“From what I know it’s the first time a school has had three undefeated teams,” James Sheahan sport coordinator and senior coach Kylie Jordan said.
“It was an incredible effort from the girls. Three titles in a row is very exciting and with the depth we have here we’re definitely wanting to keep the dominance going for the next couple of years at least.
“We retain six of our senior girls, so we’ll have the players.”
James Sheahan ran amok on Thursday afternoon at Kinross gym, securing a gritty 33-28 win the senior division over Orange High and a comfortable 38-19 win over Kinross in the junior division.
James Sheahan ghosted past Kinross in the intermediate division, winning a tough battle 22-21.
“We were down a shooter in the [intermediate] game, so the girls did an incredible job,” Jordan said.
“They just got their noses in front, and held off a strong Kinross side. The opens was tough as well, it was very defence oriented and there was never more than four or five goals between the sides.”