Some of the greatest players to feature in Group 11 will be back in Dubbo in the coming weeks as CYMS hosts a reunion of its first premiership winning side.
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The Dubbo CYMS 1969 side will have a 50-year reunion on the weekend of May 25 and 26.
With Ken McMullen as captain-coach, CYMS went to Parkes as rank outsides against the local side but came away with a 16-12 victory in the decider.
CYMS also won the reserve grade grand final that day with the minor premiers edging out Forbes 8-4.
Kel Brown was hooker for CYMS in that historic day for the club and is hopeful of a big turnout for the reunion.
"The two feature parts of the reunion will be a dinner at the Castlereagh Hotel on the Saturday night and then on Sunday at Apex Oval when CYMS host Parkes in all four grades of Group 11 competition," Brown said.
"We encourage any past players, family members, supporters or anyone who was or is still connected to CYMS to come along.
"The only commitment we will need is for the dinner.
"Most former players have been contacted but of course there are others who we may have missed."
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There will be plenty to talk about that weekend with the Castlereagh Hotel, or 'The Vatican' for those who will be there, the meeting place from early until late on the Saturday. No doubt there will also be some stories about the 1969 end of the season trip to New Zealand, enjoyed by 30 players and officials.
In that season, a star-studded Parkes lineup including Laurie Wakefield and Terry Scurfield, started as raging hot favourite for the first grade title having lost just one game all season and beaten Narromine in the major semi-final.
CYMS on the other hand beat Forbes 17-16 in the minor semi-final then Narromine 19-8 in the final.
Buoyed by the past two meetings against Parkes, CYMS were quietly confident having held Parkes to a 7-all draw in round one and it was 8-2 in the second game.
Half-time saw Parkes ahead 7-3 but CYMS didn't give in and got the money, thanks to two tries from winger Gary Yeo and three goals and two field goals from former rugby international McMullen.
The send off of prop Mick Wilson by referee Norm Johnson after a late melee that saw seven players involved, failed to dampen the spirit of CYMS who returned home as premiers.
"That win was significant in many respects, the first under Ken McMullen who came to us from the Sydney Roosters and rugby union," Brown said.
'"Ken had five years with us before retiring in Dubbo, but unfortunately passed away in 1986, much too young. But the legacy of his time with CYMS is something that is still and will be talked about for many, many years.
"Dan O'Sullivan was our long time president and played a big part in enticing Ken to CYMS. Dan's legacy continues with his son Bryan the current president of CYMS Old Boys.
"CYMS has thrived since 1969 having now won 14 first grade premierships and many minor grades titles.
"That first win was 50 years ago and having Parkes here for the Group 11 round will be special as well."
The 2019 edition of the clash between the Fishies and Parkes should also be a hard-fought one, with both appearing genuine premiership contenders early in the season.
Brown is the current secretary of the CYMS Old Boys, the organisers of the 1969 reunion, and anyone seeking information about the event can contact him at 0428 636 278 or via email at brown.kc@hotmail.com.
