Played at Sydney’s Anne Clarke Netball Centre, Orange led Newcastle 23-21 at the second break before the Novocastrians ran down the deficit in the third quarter, eventually running out 45-38 victors.

“It was disappointing considering we led through most of the game,” Orange coach Trini Allen said.

“We just lost some momentum toward the end and Newcastle snatched it off us.

“We need to give Newcastle a lot of credit though, they are a very good team. They went out with a smart game plan and just kept coming back at us

“We’re disappointed, but still very happy with how the girls played.”

Pitting the state’s best from five regions - Hunter, Central West, Far North Coast, South Coast and Northern Inland - against each other the competition was Newcastle’s or Orange’s to win from the outset.

Orange started its title defence in the worst possible way, losing out to Newcastle by three goals on Saturday, before cruising to wins in its other four games.

Newcastle on the other hand, went through the preliminary stages undefeated.

The grand final, as expected, was a tight affair and despite the final result, Orange dominated almost the entire game.

Orange led by six at quarter-time, and two at the half before Newcastle mounted its comeback to lead 31-30 at three-quarter time.

With 15 minutes left, both sides threw everything into the contest. Again they were locked in a goal-for-goal battle as Orange tried desperately to take back the lead, to no avail as Newcastle held on the secure the win.

Despite the loss, Allen lauded her troops. In particular, she credited the side’s youngsters.

“The young girls all stepped up when they needed to, and showed us they belong at this level,” she said.

“Brooke Burcher in particular was wonderful, while Kirstin McIntyre and Abby Tilburg really impressed with their combination, as did Katie Eslick.

“Then, of course, our older group were just great. 

“There will be massive competition for this side next year, and they will have plenty of motivation to go all the way.”

In the third place play-off, Tamworth overcame a spirited Grafton side, winning 52-40, and Hastings Valley rounded out the table finishing fifth.