RUGBY LEAGUE
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IN his seven year stint as Orange CYMS’ supremo Ray Agland, affectionately known as Beaver, oversaw arguably the greatest era in the green and golds’ rich history, but now, he’s passed the baton on.
Agland took over the presidency from Matt King in 2009, and oversaw the ground-breaking signing of former NRL gun and current captain-coach Mick Sullivan the next year, who has since led the club to four Group 10 premier league titles in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015, along with one other grand final appearance in 2012.
Considering 2015 was the club’s 70th anniversary, and the season netted CYMS premierships in premier league and first division, Agland said now is “the perfect time to finish up”, with long-time vice-president Dave Penny stepping into the role from 2016 onwards.
“It’s just time for someone else to step up,” Agland, the club’s longest serving president, said.
“Dave’s been my vice-president for a long time and he does a tremendous job, he’s well respected in the community as well.
“I’ll just take a step back. I’ll still be on the committee, and I’ll forever support the club. The club has been great to me.
“The achievements over the years I’ve been involved are just phenomenal. The way the club has built, from the juniors all the way through, it’s just getting bigger and better.
“Really, there was no better time to finish up than the 70th anniversary year, especially with the success we had this year.
“One thing I do need to mention is how valuable our sponsors are, and have been since I’ve been involved. They do so much for the club, and they are a massive reason why CYMS is so successful, and will continue to be.”
Penny has been the club’s deputy since 2010, and as a result Agland said he’s certain his successor will fill his shoes comfortably.
“Oh there’s not a worry in the world there,” Agland said.
“There’s still that structure behind him with the committee too. It’s a very, very strong committee, everyone works hard and does their part.
“There’s no niggling, everyone is there to do a job and they just do it. I think that’s part of the reason the club has been so successful, everyone works together.”
For Penny, his job is simple.
“Well, the success of the club speaks for itself and really, I just want to help maintain that success,” Penny said.
“I just want to see the club continue on its winning pathway, continue the success.”
“All’s good for the future, I’m happy to be leaving the club in such good hands,” Agland said.
CYMS hosts its Christmas party tomorrow, and will announce a number of new signings at the event.