CHAMPIONS FOREVER: The 1962 Group 10 under 18s premiers Orange CYMS (back, left) D Ferguson, J Wilkins, G Logan, J Murphy, J Tilston, C Cornish, P Reid, P Ward, (middle, left) C Fahy (coach), B Mendham, P Kelly (captain), Fr Grannall, W Sell (vice-captain), B Patterson, M Hiney (manager), (front, left) D Duff, P McCormick, M Ryan, (insert) K Hogan.
IT’S often said when you win a grand final with a group of mates, you stay friends for life.
The 1962 under 18s Orange CYMS are testament to that.
Premiership winners in ‘62, the group of 18 green and golds that tasted premiership success have been reliving the glory days, annually, for the best part of the last five decades.
The group will again catch up over a few beers on Saturday, October 29, for the team’s 50th anniversary.
It’s a massive milestone for the team.
“The majority of the team still live in Orange so we see each other at different times but it’s just good to get together for a social event like this with family,” premiership-winner Paul McCormick said.
CYMS edged out teams the like of Emmco, Oberon, Bathurst Charlestons and Bathurst St Pat’s to claim the 1962 under 18s grand final.
Ever since, they’ve met up, often at Kellys Hotel, to catch up.
But for the 50th anniversary the team is going a little more extravagant - a cruise on Sydney Harbour.
“It’s fantastic. We relax, talk a few lies and just enjoy ourselves,” McCormick laughed.
“We’ve been to every pub and club in the region but this year the boat cruise has been organised b Peter Kelly and Peter Ward. Ninety per cent of us still catch up and it’s because of our coach Carl Fahy.
“We do what we want. Our children used to come along, everyone’s wife comes along. It’s great to catch up in that sort of setting.”
For CYMS, holders of the Western Division and Donovan Cups at the time, victory came in the midst of Oberon’s remarkable run at 10 first grade grand final victories in 11 seasons as well as Western Division’s 24-all draw with a touring Great Britain.
CYMS have won eight Group 10 under 18s premierships since the 1962 triumph, but few celebrate the win like this group.