Love of Astley Cup a lifelong affair for Gersbach siblings

“That spirit of the Astley Cup is the main thing; it goes through your veins, no matter how much you played you know, no matter what year you represented. It's always a reference for someone, ‘Oh did you play Astley Cup?’ It's that important,” says local tennis coach and former Astley Cup competitor, Darren Gersbach

This month marks the 100th year of the Astley Cup, the unique multi-sports triangular competition between Dubbo College (formerly Dubbo High School), Bathurst High School and Orange High Schools

Founded in 1923, and played nearly every year since, it is the longest-running sporting competition of its kind in Australia.

Darren, his sister Alison and younger brother Anthony all competed in the Astley Cup and it’s believed they are the only trio of siblings to represent their school in the same team for two years in a row (1982-83) in the competition’s long history.

All three siblings played tennis for the Orange High School team, and Darren and Alison still coach professionally. Darren also played rugby league in his final two years at school.

But he says there is something unique about the Astley Cup that grabbed him from his very first outing.

“For me, it was that team atmosphere because, of course, tennis is a solo sport,” says Darren. “The entire two schools surrounding all the courts and having the chants like it’s the Aussie Open, you know!”

The youngest member of the team in that first year, Darren was taken under the wing of the two team captains.

“The teachers told them to look after this young bloke Darren, take him around all the events and get what the actual ‘Cup feel’ was,” recalls Darren.

“I went to the debate, every single thing with the captains… it was actually a great feeling for me and that just got me instilled in the spirit of it.”

It’s that team spirit that gets you hooked on the Astley Cup, agrees Anthony.

“Everyone would come and watch the tennis because we were always first, then you'd go to each sport… and the bus ride, on the way home everyone was chanting all the way back if we won, it was really good,” he says.

And for many of those competing it is the biggest crowd that they will ever play in front of, says Darren.

“All the sports have got the whole school there around watching them, they've got their banners and it's a nice big spotlight for all the kids,” says Darren, who has remained involved over the years as his own children have gone through high school

And the Astley Cup has also sparked lifelong friendships, says Alison

“I’m still best friends with a girl from Dubbo,” she says. “We met through Astley Cup and we are best buddies to this day!”

On Friday, June 16, former Astley Cup competitors will be coming together to rekindle old friendships and relive past glories at Centenary Dinner to celebrate 100 years of Astley Cup.

The Centenary Dinner is being held in the Coral Sea Room at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club. Tickets are $80, including a three-course meal and entertainment, and can be purchased from www.123tix.com.au or by phoning the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on (02)63622666.