Mother-daughter duo inspires CYMS

Nick Guthrie. Daily Liberal, 9 Sep 2016.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Majayda (left) and Shelley Darcy will line up alongside each other at Caltex Park on Sunday for Dubbo CYMS in the Ladies League Tag grand final against Parkes. Photo: BELINDA SOOLE

“I’ve got to admit it, it’s mum.”

When discussing who the best League Tag player in the family is, Majayda Darcy looks at her mother Shelley, laughs and pays her a compliment.

The Darcy duo have been two of the real standouts in the inaugural Dubbo CYMS League Tag side, not only because of their playing ability but also because of their infectious energy, which was on full display during the training sessions in the lead up to Sunday’s grand final against the Parkes Spacecats.

While there is plenty of laughter and joking between the pair, both confess it’s a special moment when they run out alongside each other every week.

“It’s pretty amazing playing with my daughter and I really understand why blokes want to play with their sons,” Shelley said.

“We do play a fair bit of sport together but this is our first real big women’s sport grand final.”

I love it and not many daughters get to play alongside their mums.- Majayda Darcy

The duo have played touch football and netball together but in League Tag this season they have really shone and Majayda added it’s a rare opportunity to play sport with family members.

“I love it and not many daughters get to play alongside their mums, even though she’s better than me,” she laughed.

“I get all the people coming up to me telling me mum is a freak but my time will come.”

While the Darcys and many of the CYMS players put up a jovial front, there is no doubt there is a determination and focus among the side.

The Fishies, much like in the men’s divisions, have become the team other sides love to beat and the rivalry with the Spacecats developed immediately.

Sunday’s grand final shapes as an incredibly even battle, with CYMS scoring a tight 7-4 win in the recent major semi-final.

But Shelley Darcy said her side’s professional approach, instilled by coaches Gerry ‘Chicka’ Merritt and Shane Madden and captain Chrystal Thompson, has CYMS well placed.

“It’s been an amazing thing and the biggest thing I noticed right from the start is that our coaches have taken it seriously,” she said.

“The biggest thing is that ‘Chick’, ‘Maddo’ and Chrystal have been the driving forces so it feels professional and not just a weekend sport that women have to play.”

The grand final begins at 10am at Caltex Park on Sunday.