Walkom proud of Fishies

Ben Walker - Daily Liberal

ANOTHER DECIDER: Jyie Chapman will be a key player for CYMS in Sunday's Group 11 grand final.

Whether you love them or hate them, nobody can deny that Dubbo CYMS lead the way when it comes to success in Group 11.

Seven consecutive first grade grand final appearances says that, as does the more flattering statistic of being involved in the final match of the season in 10 of the past 13 years.

Put simply, you don’t fluke that kind of success.

But, as the Fishies have learned over time, being in a grand final doesn’t equate to finishing your season with the spoils and a trophy in hand.

Which is why CYMS chairman Kevin Walkom is wary heading into Sunday’s Group 11 grand finals, where his club will be involved in three of the four grades.

So wary, in fact, he says first grade opponents Nyngan are red-hot favourites to claim the title in their maiden grand final appearance.

“We’re very proud of the success we have had over the past decade or so,” Walkom said.

“Every year we set out to be competitive and successful, and ultimately success is winning competitions.

“We don’t win every year, but we like to think that from our board down we put ourselves in a position to win every year.

“As a rugby league follower I actually love the contest of this year’s grand final because Nyngan are in their first grand final, their town thrives on footy.

“Their passion alone is going to generate a lot of adrenaline for those players, their desire will be huge and I think that is why they are favourites.”

Aside from the main game CYMS will also feature in the reserve grade and league tag deciders, against Wellington and Parkes respectively.

“Our league tag is something I’m really proud of because we started that from scratch two years ago and we’ve made it to two grand finals,” Walkom said.

“We’ve taken girls with sporting talent and turned them into a very good side.

“Our reserve graders had a bumpy period through the middle of the year when Ryan Medley got hurt, and it’s ironic that the two teams involved in the match that day are playing on Sunday.

“That day probably re-focused our side a bit, they remembered footy is about having fun with your mates and now they find themselves here.

“We’re hopeful of having some success on Sunday, but we know if we do it won’t come easy.”