THE volleyball program at Orara High School has capped off one of its most successful seasons on record, with the ‘Thunder’ claiming Grand Final victories across both indoor and beach competitions.
Both the Girls and Boys indoor teams repeated last year’s heroics at the Mid North Coast (MNC) Gala Day, powering through to their respective Grand Finals before sealing back-to-back titles with composed and clinical performances.
Whilst the volleyball coaches were fully absorbed in coaching the teams, former coach Alex Dujin provided insights from the sidelines.
“Both teams showed incredible poise under pressure,” Dujin said.
“They’ve been building towards this level all year and to see them execute so calmly on the big stage was outstanding.”
The Thunder Girls were forced into a three-set battle after taking the first and dropping the second, but they held their nerve in a tense decider to win 15–11.
“The girls never gave up,” Dujin said.
“They just kept backing each other, and when the big moments came, they took their chances.”
Dujin also credited the collective coaching influence that shaped the squad.
“This result is a credit to Coach Myers’ leadership and also to the foundation laid over the years by Coach Parks and Mr Horton,” he said.
“It’s been a real team effort behind the scenes.”
The Boys Thunder team were equally unstoppable, winning every match in straight sets with a brand of volleyball Dujin described as “clinical and great to watch”.
With Coach Horton absent, former Thunder captain Peter Thang stepped in and made an immediate impact.
“Peter’s calm and precise coaching really allowed the boys to play to their strengths,” Dujin said.
“Everybody contributed. It was one of the most complete team performances we’ve had.”
Captain John Hmung set the tone on court, leading rotations that ensured every player enjoyed valuable time in the middle.
“John leads by example,” Dujin said.
“His composure lifts everyone around him.”
Dujin added that Horton deserved enormous credit for the boys’ development.
“He’s been building and mentoring this group for a long time,” he said.
“These results are a reflection of that work.”
While the indoor teams shone at the MNC Gala Day, Orara’s junior and senior beach squads were simultaneously competing at the KO Zone Championships in Coffs Harbour.
The junior girls fought bravely with only three players, claiming the first set before being edged out 2–1.
The senior girls pushed through three strong wins to reach the Grand Final, where they fell agonisingly short against a sharp Coffs Harbour Jetty side.
“It was a massive achievement for our girls,” Dujin said.
“They played with heart and pushed a very skilled opponent to the limit.”
The junior and senior boys, however, swept through the field to win both titles – the senior boys securing their fourth consecutive Coffs Harbour championship.
A fortnight later, Orara headed north to Evans Head for the North Coast Championships, where both the junior (15s) and senior boys added more silverware to the cabinet.
Led by skipper Tom Khamfoi, the 15s boys survived a tough second set in their opening match before strong serving by Oscar and Hunter carried them home in the final.
“It’s the first time in a long time the boys have won the 15s North Coast title,” Dujin said.
“Their composure under pressure was fantastic.”
The Opens boys defeated Melville in their opener before surviving an epic three-set Grand Final against Kyogle.
With scores locked at 17–16 in the final set, smart play from Meh Reh and strong spiking from Jackson sealed the championship.
“That third set was incredible,” Dujin said.
“Kyogle pushed us all the way. But our boys showed resilience and refused to let the moment get too big.”
The victory secured Orara’s fourth straight North Coast senior boys title, cementing their status as one of the region’s powerhouse programs.
A culture of teamwork and support fuels success
Dujin praised the entire school community – coaches, students, and former players – for creating an environment that breeds continual success.
“The grit, determination and resilience the students showed is the direct result of the work they put in every week,” he said. “And having our ex-students come back to support and coach created a fantastic atmosphere.
“The comradery between current and former Thunder players is something really special and a special mention to the Coffs Harbour Volleyball Association.”
By David WIGLEY
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