Allan Shillingsworth-designed jersey gives CYMS players extra motivation in derby battle
Nick Guthrie - Daily Liberal
CULTURE: CYMS centre Jyie Chapman and the jersey CYMS will wear on Saturday. Photo: NICK GUTHRIE
Players from both CYMS and Macquarie relish the chance to take part in a Dubbo derby but Jyie Chapman says being able to represent his culture while taking part in one of the year’s most eagerly-anticipated fixtures makes it even more special.
On Saturday, despite it being a Macquarie home game, CYMS will celebrate its indigenous round and the Fishies will wear special one-off jumpers which will then be raffled off at the Castlereagh Hotel after the match.
The jerseys have been donated by Brendan Chapman, the father of CYMS centre Jyie, and are designed by local artist Allan Shillingsworth.
“It’s always a big thing pulling on the indigenous jersey and last year we had my Auntie’s painting on there and this time it’s Allan Shillingsworth so it’s always a very proud moment pulling it on and representing your culture,” Chapman said.
“Playing for your culture and then playing in a derby, all the boys are proud about that, even the non-indigenous boys.”
The jerseys are sure to stand out as well, with a splash of pink add plenty of colour to the intricate design created by Shillingsworth.
It’s always a very proud moment pulling it on and representing your culture.- Jyie Chapman on CYMS' indigenous round jersey.
“CYMS has got onboard and I can’t say much for the design but with the girls coming into the competition (in recent seasons), that’s what the pink is about, bringing that all in together,” Chapman said.
CYMS is five points clear at the top of the Group 11 ladder and having gone unbeaten to this point it seems all but certain the Fishies will finish as minor premiers.
But with coach Tim Ryan demanding improvement for his side each week and the atmosphere around a derby, there’s still plenty of motivation for CYMS players.
“It’s a local derby, it’s Macquarie, and everyone always turns up,” Chapman said.
“We’re always striving to do better and keep the game going forward. At training we’re doing that little bit extra and we’re getting towards the end of the season so if we’re not going to keep improving now then it won’t happen and I think we’re on our way there.
“Minor premiership doesn’t sound bad but it’s not the one you want in the end, that’s the big one and if you don’t get that it doesn’t count.”
Chapman is all but fully recovered from a hamstring strain suffered in a win over the Nyngan Tigers last month.
He is set to again play alongside Wade Kavanagh in what is one of the best centre partnerships in the competition.
Chapman was also keen to thank all those who had helped make the jerseys for this weekend a reality, namely Shillingsworth, Chapmans Carpet Cleaning and Red Gum Childcare.
The afternoon of derby action at Caltex Park on Saturday starts with the league tag at 12pm.