The Lion cubs have won the last three consecutive Central West junior club championships and OCJRC president Tony Dalton said player numbers for the coming season don’t look like dwindling.

“We’ve done a mailout to all the players from last season,” Dalton explained.
“So far it looks as though we’ll have very similar numbers to last season, maybe even a few more.”

Orange City will field junior teams in all age divisions, under 7s up to under 17s, and Dalton said the prospect of doubling up in some grades is realistic.

“It’s pretty rare to see more than one team from any club in an age division,” he explained.

“We look like we could definitely have an age group or two with more than one team, it’s very encouraging.”

Dalton put the Lion cubs’ recent success down to dedication of the playing group, and the current crop of coaches.

“All the guys involved in coaching currently have kids going through,” Dalton explained.

“They’ve been doing it for a few years now and they have experience, and know how to coach the youngsters.

“Of course our senior coaches are always available to us as well if we need some help.”

Jason Hamling and Mark Page will coach the under 7s, while Toby Te Rupe will mentor the under 9s and Rob Bruce will look after the under 11s. 

Pat McDonald and Geoff Pollack take on the under 13s, Deryck and Peter Ward the under 15s.

Tony Dalton, Matt Winslade and Andy Hillan will look after the under 17s.

“Several others are undecided as yet, and we’re still working on the sub juniors at the moment,” Dalton said.

“Obviously if we have another team or two we’ll need more coaches, but we love people helping out anyway.”

ORJRC’s sign on days will be on tomorrow from 5-6.30pm, and this Saturday from 1-2.30pm, both at Waratahs Sports Ground.

Any interested players, or those after more information, should contact Tony Dalton on 0435 025 181 or anthony.dalton@deewr.gov.au.