ON TARGET: Orange A's Sinead Bradley lines up a shot. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER
ORANGE'S second State League netball team showed they can match it with the city's A side yesterday.
The two sides met in their second match of the day at the Orange PCYC yesterday.
Orange A, who are chasing a 17th straight Central West State League title, came out on top 61-34 but it was Orange B who won the final quarter.
Orange A pulled away in the third quarter to be leading 49-21.
However, Orange B played a better final period to win it 13-12.
This was pleasing for Orange B coach Jacki Jasprizza.
"Overall they did well. We're starting to see some combinations work really well," Jasprizza said.
Earlier in the day Orange B were edged out 35-33 by a physical Dubbo side.
Jasprizza said her young side found the going tough against Dubbo.
"We didn't have Emily Callaway today and our young shooters did well but were a bit hesitant against Dubbo's tough defence," she explained.
"Our defence did really well. Georgia Duffy, Narelle Walsh and Abby Tilburg were all great."
Lauren Williams was strong in the centre court for Orange B but was sidelined with injury mid-way through the second game.
Orange A coach Cindy Gilchrist said she wasn't happy with her side losing their last quarter to Orange B.
"It's a bit disappointing because we should be able to put any combination on and have it work," Gilchrist said.
Still, Orange A went through the day unbeaten with a 78-23 thumping of Bathurst in the morning.
"It just flowed. They had so much more space on the court," Gilchrist said.
"Our senior players dominated. They wanted to win really badly.
"Mardi Aplin was fantastic in both games. Tegan Dray was outstanding.
"Sheryll Selwood made a comeback today. She's had a new niggly injuries but she played well. Emily Winterton was fantastic in defence."
Orange A is on the top of the competition ladder with eight points while Dubbo is second on six, Orange B third on two and Bathurst are yet to earn any competition points.
The final round of games will be played on August 19 in Bathurst before the finals in Orange on September 2.