Yes, it's been said time and time again this year was one unlike any other.
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But you can't deny it's truth.
If someone was to say to you when the year began the local cricket season wouldn't finish, no Group 11 rugby league would be played at all, and the Astley Cup would be cancelled you would rightly think they were crazy.
But despite the huge and ongoing impact COVID had on our lives, there was still some incredible sporting moments in our region this year.
This week we'll bring you our top 20, five moments a day in no particular order that show why this year was another memorable one.
Here's our fourth and final part.
BUKUYA BOOSTS FISHIES' CUP HOPES
Our story on Jayson Bukuya signing for CYMS was the most read sport story on the Daily Liberal website this year so easy one to include here.
One of the biggest arrivals in our region in recent times, Bukuya landed at CYMS midway through the year in a massive boost ahead of the statewide Presidents Cup.
One of the main reasons for the move was because his wife is originally from Brewarrina and the shift to the country was welcomed by both.
"It's good. We like it in the country and we're glad to get out of Sydney," Bukuya said.
"I'm from Queensland originally and my wife's from Bre so we had no ties to Sydney and we were happy to get out of there when we could."
He's a strong, positive role model and you can't really put a price on that.
- Jarryn Powyer on Jayson Bukuya
Injuries got in the way a little on the field but Bukuya was a strong presence in the time he was on the park and there was rave reviews for the former Cronulla Shark and Fiji international for his actions on and off the ground.
"He's a strong, positive role model and you can't really put a price on that," Jarryn Powyer, the Fishies' captain-coach at the time, said.
He's expected back in green and white in 2021, as well.
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Twenty-two. It still seems incredible that was all South Dubbo could manage against CYMS earlier this season.
The record books were scoured and for many it's the lowest total seen in RSL-Whitney Cup first grade history.
The Hornets have battled in recent seasons but no-one expected what occurred at No. 3 Oval on November 7.
Defending premiers CYMS was favoured to win after a Tom Coady century led them to a huge 2/245 but what followed will be talked about for some time.
I've never been a part of anything like that before.
- CYMS' Ben Knaggs
CYMS captain Ben Knaggs was virtually unplayable when taking 6/12 with the new ball while Ben O'Donnell (4/9) did the job at the other end in one of the most lopsided matches seen in the competition.
The hugely experienced Greg Rummans, someone who has played plenty of cricket in Sydney, was one of six Souths players to be dismissed without scoring and later described the ball from Kanggs he was bowled by as possibly the best he's ever faced.
"I've never been a part of anything like that before," captain Knaggs said after the win.
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'DEVASTATING' TO LOSE THE ASTLEY CUP
For just the fourth time in almost a century, the Astley Cup didn't go ahead in 2020.
The only previous times the cup was cancelled was in its second year in 1924 when the format was still being decided, in 1932 because of the impact of the Great Depression, and in 1940 because of World War II.
That shows just how big a decision it was to abandon the famous tri-school tournament this year.
A huge amount of work was done by the schools in Dubbo, Bathurst, and Orange to try and make the annual competition possible but in the end the 'devastating decision' was made to cancel it as COVID-19 restrictions increased around July and August.
"Whilst we understand that this will be a distressing time for many of our students, we acknowledge that our paramount concern is for the safety of students and staff within our communities," a statement from all three schools read.
While it was a huge blow to students, teachers, and the three communities involved Dubbo College's cup coordinator Craig May summed it up best when looking forward to next year's 99th edition of the tri-school tournament.
"We want to make sure we give the best shot to the competition going ahead in 2021 and look on the positive side, now we get to redirect everything back into next year and showcasing our communities and ensuring everyone can be involved," May said.
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FULLER STARTS BIG YEAR WITH SPORTSPERSON CROWN
Another of Dubbo Cycle Club's rising stars who enjoyed plenty of success in 2020.
The year started with a bang for Fuller as on Australia Day she was named Dubbo Young Sportsperson of the Year.
Her list of achievements read out at the awards ceremony was a long one but Fuller was humble when accepting the prize and gave plenty of credit to her family and the Dubbo club.
"I think family is everything," the teenager said.
"Most of my family rides so it's amazing to have all that support."
Things only got better as she won gold at the National Road Championships, proving herself an endurance rider to watch in the future in the process.
She finished the year in style as well, proving the challenges COVID restrictions posed to training this year weren't an issue as she claimed a gold, silver, and bronze medal at the National Track Championships earlier this month.
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CLUBS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF 2022 MERGE
Last, but definitely not least, a moment which could have a huge impact on the region's sporting landscape.
At both the Group 11 and Group 10 annual general meetings in early November, clubs voted in favour of investigating a merged competition between the two in 2022.
It's currently being planned out and clubs are expected to give it the final yay or nay midway through this year.
There's some opposition but the general feeling is change is coming. And it would be a huge change.
"I think the proposal we've got for 2022 is for the betterment of rugby league in our area," Group 11 president Bob Walsh said following the AGM.
A western-wide competition would immediately be one of the strongest in NSW bush footy. The format would see all 15 clubs feature in three pools of five before a top eight finals series.
The thought of that finals series is enough to get any footy fan around here excited and how a possible merger progresses in 2021 is certain to be one of the year's biggest stories.
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