THE roar and cheers of Bathurst High School and Dubbo College students rang out across sporting facilities around Bathurst yesterday, when the schools went head-to-head in the opening tie of the Astley Cup.
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The first day of the tie began with tennis at John Matthews Tennis Centre, which was followed by basketball and netball at the Bathurst Indoor Stadium, before finishing with a rugby league match at Carrington Park.
Sports master Darren Hamilton said the 90 Bathurst High students taking part in the competition were excited for their first tie.
He said enthusiasm for the Astley Cup, which has been running 91 years, was stronger than ever.
“Excitement has certainly increased since our win in 2010,” he said.
Bathurst High broke a 21-year drought in 2010 when they finally took back possession of the Astley Cup. They narrowly lost to Dubbo in 2011, but emerged victorious in both 2012 and 2013.
“With the wins last year and the year before, they expect more from themselves and know they have a good chance,” Mr Hamilton said.
He said the students took each sport very seriously and were very competitive.
“I guess you could liken it to the State of Origin. It’s a different passion to a normal game; they really want to do their best.”
Mr Hamilton said the Astley Cup helped build the school’s sense of pride and unify the school community.
“The longevity of Astley Cup means they are also representing their town and there is that sense of town pride.”
He said it was wonderful to see so many people come out to support the students.
“I’ll even have ex-students and people from right across the community come up to me in the street and ask how the teams are going in their preparation beforehand.”
Year 12 student Kristin Willis, who competed in the netball, said the students gave everything for the Astley Cup.
“It is the highlight of the year,” she said.
“You are expected to play your very best and give it your all.”
She said that since Bathurst High had broken their drought in 2010, they had pushed harder and harder to nab the top spot each year.
She said the Astley Cup was a chance for students to show their school spirit.
“Everyone competing and watching it is a lot more enthusiastic,” she said.
“It’s really competitive between the different schools. It really brings the school together and is great for morale.”
Year 8 student Olivia Pugh agreed.
“It is great to watch everyone play and get right into the cheering,” she said.
She is looking forward to making her Astley Cup debut in the hockey today.
The opening tie will continue today, as students compete in athletics, soccer, hockey and the Mulvey Cup debating competition.
