The Armidale School fended off a late surge from Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School to take out the first inter-school basketball fixture at the school for almost two years.
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Scoring the first points, TAS had the upper hand from the start and at half-time led 34-27.
Farrer, however, worked their way back into contention in the final minutes of the game, getting within a point of levelling. But they failed to capitalise on the opportunity and steady work by Oliver Cook, Josiah Alcorn and captain Nick O'Neil saw TAS kick away for a 54-48 victory.
Cook dominated for the hosts, netting 28 points.
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The annual match, always a highlight on the sporting calendar, was the first game to be played in the TAS gymnasium since a $46,000 upgrade including new hoops and backboards, electronic scoreboard, giant ceiling fans and internal painting, funded primarily by the school's Parents and Friends Association.
In two curtain raiser events, students defeated staff in an entertaining clash with the evening opener being an enthusiastic game between teams from Junior School.
"With so much that was cancelled last year it was wonderful to be able to welcome Farrer for such a close and exciting game, and we were very grateful to them for making the trip to be part of such a special event," Director of Co-curricular Huon Barrett said.
"Apart from being a showcase of some quality schoolboy basketball it was a wonderful way to thank the P&F for their generous donation in upgrading the gymnasium."
The teams will meet again in June when TAS hosts Farrer for the annual Dick Hodgson Shield, a co-curricular competition between the two schools in rugby, football, basketball, chess, debating, tennis and table tennis.
