ORANGE City has again proved it is the strongest club in Central West Rugby Union, dominating both the senior and junior competitions in 2014.
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Last weekend was the penultimate round in the seniors and final round of juniors, and the Lions have secured five of a possible seven minor premierships across the two divisions, along with the senior club championship.
It’s the second consecutive season the Lions have won the senior club championship, securing minor premierships in three of the four Blowes Clothing Cup grades.
The Lions’ second grade, third grade and colts outfits all have unassailable leads at the top of their respective ladders heading into the final round of the regular season, while Orange City’s top grade side will finish third.
“It’s an amazing effort again from everyone, it’s not just the players but the officials, supporters, sponsors, everyone. It’s a whole team effort,” Orange City president Steve Stone said.
“The coaching staff and junior club in particular have been magnificent. The juniors continue to come through, and they take us in a new direction with their strength. The coaching staff are looking after our future, it’s not just about fielding the best side it’s about blooding colts and young players as well.
“It’s great to win these trophies but obviously we have a lot of hard work ahead of us to try and win the big ones.
“I’ve seen the lows and highs in my nine years as president, and the last few years have been a definite highlight.”
Orange City has dominated Central West’s junior rugby competitions in recent years. The Lion cubs were club champions for three consecutive seasons between 2011 and 2013.
They finished the 2014 season on 179 points, falling just one point short of winners Mudgee Wombats (180).
Orange City secured the under 13 and under 15 minor premierships but more importantly had sufficient numbers to field five teams across three age groups - the Lions had two sides in the under 13 and under 17 competitions, and one under 15 side.
“It’s just awesome, the seniors as well, it’s a big pat on the back for everyone,’ Orange City junior president Tony Dalton said.
“It was the first time we fielded two sides in the under 17s, so that is a huge positive for us. It’s great to have such good depth. We’ve got a great bunch of parents who help out too, which is the basis of it all. It’s a real positive for rugby union.”
