Winning is an obvious one, the physical benefits of being active on a regular basis over a number of years another.

But, almost undeniably, the driving force that makes it possible for those involved in winter sport in Orange to keep turning up, week after week in sub-zero temperatures is mateship.

The camaraderie forged on sporting fields can last a lifetime.

Orange CYMS’ 1962 premiership winning Group 10 under 18s side is the perfect example of such a bond.

Without fail with virtually an 100 per cent attendance rate, the side has met up every year after that memorable season in the early 1960s, where the team won the Western Cinemas Cup and the Donovan Cup, winning the latter with a 18-3 victory over Springwood.

In over 70 years of existence, only nine CYMS sides have won the under 18s premiership in Group 10, the latest being the class of 2007.

Paul McCormick’s 1962 outfit was the first.

They meet up this weekend for their reunion at Duntryleague, the 54^th year they’ve done so, and McCormick says, of the 17 players who took out the decider, 12 of them will be there to bathe in nostalgia and, as he says, tell “a few lies as the night goes on”.

Asked why his side first began the tradition of an annual reunion, McCormick points at his prized team photo and says “this guy”.

He’s pointing at coach, the late Carl Fahy.

“It’s all because of him,” McCormick says.

“He said it was important we all stuck it out and we have.

“We got together in Sydney for the 25^th and the 50^th year reunions, but normally we always get back to Orange.”

McCormick recalls plenty fond memories from past reunions, some at Lake Canobolas while others, the milestone occasions, were celebrated in style with a cruise on Sydney Harbour.

“When we were 18 we used to go out to the Lake Canobolas but time goes on and our kids used to come along as well,” he said.

Along with McCormick, Joe Wilkins, Gary Logan, John Murphy, Kelly Hogan, John Tilston, Charlie Cornish, Brian Mendham, Warren Sell, Darrell Duff, Mick Ryan, Brian Patterson, John Reid, Peter Kelly, Dave Ferguson and Peter Ward were all part of the 1962 premiership winning team.

As McCormick said, Carl Fahy was coach with Father Grannall assistant coach and Mick Hiney manager.

For a 54^th time, the team will reunite at 6.30pm at Duntryleague on Saturday night, with many of the side still based in and around the colour city region.