Stacked with experience, Bathurst High School showed its class to lead from start to finish in a comfortable 71-39 victory over a Dubbo side, by its own admission, laced with talent by more used to street ball than anything on hardwood.

Guard Sam Chappell was the stand-out for the visitors bagging 22 points and dominating the paint but the match belonged to Bathurst point guard Fred Gunning.

Gunning dropped a game-high 29 points, taking over in the third quarter to snuff any chance of a Dubbo revival after the hosts went into the major break boasting a 28-20 lead.

Gunning dropped 15 of his side’s 30 third quarter points to rocket the blue and golds to an unassailable lead at the final change and reduce Chappell’s chargers from a fighting chance to full-blown damage control, the end margin 22 points.

The final Astley Cup points split ended 65-35 in Bathurst’s favour and coach Katrina Ferris said her side’s big win came down to one thing – experience.

“These guys have been playing together since under 15s,” she said.

“Every game this year our focus has been to improve every quarter, these guys have stepped up to the mark and it’s been really impressive.”

Ferris was full of praise for Gunning, who controlled the floor brilliantly from the point.

“He’s one of our most experienced players, he runs the show and our big guys did a good job too,” she added.

“We’ve got five year 12s, so next year we move into a bit of a rebuilding year but I’m looking forward to these guys taking on Orange next week.”

Dubbo coach Kimberly Forrester gave her side a hope leading into the clash.

“Our boys, they’re more street-ballers than anything else,” Forrester said.

“I’ve got a couple that are really good … Sam Chappell plays for Dubbo and Leslie Stanton too, but the others play street ball and they’ve done well, I’m really proud of them today.”