‘Teamwork, camaraderie, purpose and fair play’ Astley Cup memories from former Orange High Sports Master, Max Dews

In February 1964, the Principal of Orange High, Leo O'Sullivan, called me to his office (which was an extremely rare event) where he then asked me to become Sports Master. At this point, in a rare show of emotion, Leo stressed the fact that Orange High School had not won the Astley Cup since 1955 and to do so was to be my top priority. I resolved to work hard to achieve the desired outcome. The big man seemed pleased and so the sports mistress and I, together with many interested staff members, ensured that all sports - rugby league, hockey, tennis, netball and athletics had good coaches, regular training times and lots of encouragement. In that year all teams performed well but the cup was won by the very well-established Dubbo outfit. 

What a great year 1965 was in the history of Orange High School! Under the capable leadership of school captains, Kerry Easie and Elizabeth Spurway, we determined our future path to victory. Following our success against Dubbo, Orange teams lined up against Bathurst. All members were hoping for a long-awaited but elusive victory. Each contest was very hotly contested. Comments such as ‘She's travelled’, ‘He’s offside’, ‘Foul’, ‘Sticks’ and ‘Fair go Ref’ were heard loudly and clearly. Finally, when points were tallied, Orange emerged victorious! What followed, I believe, is unique in the history of state schools’ sport. The buses carrying the victors were greeted with loud applause from a huge crowd lining Summer Street with streamers, balloons, whistles and signs which created an electrifying atmosphere unparalleled to this day. At the victory assembly, the Boss was greeted with the traditional war cry…’Three for Leo. Rah Rah Rah!’

In 1966 Orange High School’s success continued under the leadership of captains Roger Bilton and Roslea Oates. Both were inspirational individuals who led by example setting high standards in training discipline and enthusiasm. Teams and spectators alike were kept on their toes by the recently formed cheer squad whose war cries, dance moves and streamers added another dimension. To summarise, 1966 was a great year which consolidated previous successes. 

In 1967 Orange High School completed a treble. All teams performed very well with the rugby league, hockey and netball proving unstoppable. Some individuals are worthy of mention. These include Roger Bilton for his inspirational leadership and Ray Murray whose bursts of speed helped demoralise opponents. Others who come to mind include Greg Hill for his splendid mile run victory against tough competition and Roslea Oates who capped Astley Cup success by being selected as Captain of an Australian junior hockey team. In netball, Wendy Griffith and Diane Baker displayed speed and accuracy which left their opponents bewildered. As in other years, OHS team members gave of their best both on the sporting fields and in the intangible realm of school spirit and tradition. 

Success continued in 1968 under the leadership of stalwarts Anthony Reid and Susan Maloney. That year was the last year of success under my tenure as sports master and I have often reflected on the elements of success in such a hotly contested competition. The school population and the wider community must be behind the teams’ efforts. Leo O’Sullivan was always supportive as were staff members, both teaching and ancillary. Coaches such as Elsie Lancaster (Netball), Geoff Simpson (Rugby League) and Richard Gray (Hockey) demonstrated unswerving commitment. Importantly, all competing students gave of their very best. All present at the 100 years celebration, would agree that participation has great benefits including a sense of teamwork, camaraderie, purpose and fair play. Friendships were forged and endured between individual and family groups. The Bilton and Gleeson families are great examples of this where, decades later, their friendships continue. 

In conclusion, ‘Those were the days my friend. We thought they’d never end.’ 

Cheers and best wishes,

Max Dews

Orange High School Teacher 1962 – 1986, Sports Master 1964 – 1970