ORANGE’S three teams were unable to snare home-town titles at the Western Junior League basketball finals over the weekend, but the under 16 boys came close as they made the grand final.

Teams from around the region contested finals in under 12s, under 14s, under 16s and under 18 boys’ and girls’ divisions at the Anzac Park Sporting Facility.

Orange’s under 16 boys’ team had the best chance to take out their age group, but they were defeated by Dubbo 73-26 in the grand final on Sunday.

The Eagles started slowly as nerves got the better of them, however, they continued to make Dubbo work for every point.

Orange qualified for the grand final after recording two good wins on Saturday.

The 16 boys opened the finals weekend with a 65-46 win over Bathurst Goldminers in the elimination semi-final.

They then progressed to Sunday’s grand final with an 86-56 triumph over Lithgow Lazers on Saturday afternoon.

Orange’s other two teams at the finals weren’t as lucky, bowing out on Saturday after their elimination semi-finals.

The under 18 men’s team were in the hunt in their game against Lithgow before the visitors produced a strong second half to run out 102-79 victors.

Lithgow could not make it into the grand final, though, as Bathurst Goldminers beat Dubbo Rams 88-64 to take the title.

The under 16 girls were also eliminated after their division two elimination semi-final, where they finished the stronger team against Dubbo.

The Rams held a 36-14 lead at half-time before the Eagles won the second half to see the final score 66-45.