Orange CYMS Cricket Club is ready for a grand celebration to mark its 80th anniversary, and invites all past and present players, sponsors and supporters to join in.
The club has announced a weekend of events on November 2-3, 2024 to celebrate its proud history as Orange's oldest cricket club.
The weekend will commence with a free barbecue and drinks at the First Grade team's match at the Country Club Oval on Saturday afternoon.
A gala, three-course dinner later that night promises to be the centerpiece of the weekend's celebrations, and will be held at the Coral Sea Room at Orange Ex-Services’ Club.
The semi-formal event will feature the unveiling of the club’s all-time team, as well as a panel interview, conducted by Michael Croke, of several club legends: Bernie Duffy, Peter Snowden, Hugh Le Lievre, and Michael Delaney.
On Sunday morning a golf event at Wentworth Golf Club will be played under a friendly yet competitive ambrose format.
Club president Ben McNiven is optimistic about welcoming over 200 guests to the weekend's festivities.
"To be able to celebrate an 80th anniversary is a fantastic achievement for any organisation, especially a community-based, volunteer-run sporting club," McNiven said.
"There have been thousands of cricketers proudly wear CYMS's colours since the club was formed in 1945, and we would love to see as many of them, as well as their families and supporters, in Orange to help mark the occasion.
"I want to thank the group of volunteers who have helped to plan this weekend. Bill Kelly, Michael Croke, Peter Snowden and our Executive have done a fantastic job to plan this weekend's activities."
Since 1945 Orange CYMS Cricket Club has won more than 50 senior premierships and 19 club championships. The junior teams - previously playing under the names of St Joseph's-Sheahan and Orange CYMS Junior Cricket Club - have also contributed hundreds of premierships.
McNiven said the club's successes - on and off the field - were the byproduct of a strong culture of volunteerism and respect that has always been present.
"From the outset, CYMS has always been a club with strong values: fairness, family, contribution and pride," McNiven said.
"The premierships, club championships and other accomplishments have stemmed from these values, and the many volunteers over the last 80 years who have worked to build this wonderful legacy.
"Someone like the late John Covelli, who passed away last season, exemplifies this more than anyone else, and the anniversary weekend will be a terrific opportunity to reminisce about him and many others in our history."
Details about the weekend, including costs, RSVPs, times and more, can be found here.
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