Legends honoured in CYMS’ best side

STARS from Orange CYMS’ halcyon days in the 1950s and premiership winners from the 1980s featured heavily in the club’s Team of the Century when it was announced on Saturday night.

CYMS legends from far and wide attended the Team of the Century function at Kelly’s Hotel on Saturday night to honour the club’s best players.

Half of the Team of the Century played during the 1950s, when CYMS won five Group 10 premierships and the Clayton Cup in 1954.

John Cudmore was selected at fullback, Tom Kerwick in the centres, Pat Weldon in the second-row and John West at prop.

Lloyd Davidson was a popular selection at five-eighth, while Jim Thurn, John Kelly and Carl Fahy made the reserves bench.

Premiership winners from 1987 and 1988, Mick Mullice and Mark Hiney, were picked at prop and hooker respectively, with team-mate Steve Muldoon named on the bench, while captain-coach Ray Spurr was named coach of this illustrious side.

Halfback Rob Pilon and Kevin Considine on the wing were obvious selections in the team announced on what was a big night for the green and golds.

CYMS president Ray Agland says the function was a huge occasion for himself and thinks it was also for the players going by the response of notoriously tough second-rower Pat Weldon.

“Pat’s been a local for years, he knows everyone in town and he was teary-eyed when he got his award because he was so proud to achieve something like that,” Agland said.

“I’m proud of it. I’m proud to be president this year to announce the Team of the Century and it was good to get everyone possible there.

“I think there was only two or three that couldn’t get there, but to get the rest there - it’s a once in a lifetime thing.”

Cudmore, West, Kelly, Kerwick and Fahy are all deceased, but family members attended the occasion to accept the honour on behalf of their loved ones.

CYMS’ TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Fullback: John Cudmore.

Wing: Tom Commins, Kevin Considine.

Centre: John Connolly, Tom Kerwick.

Five-eighth: Lloyd Davidson.

Halfback: Rob Pilon.

Prop: Mick Mullice, John West.

Hooker: Mark Hiney.

Second-row: Pat Weldon, Ben Murphy.

Lock: Dave Ross.

Reserves: Jim Thurn, John Kelly, Steve Muldoon, Carl Fahy.

Coach: Ray Spurr.