ON THE PROWL: Orange A's Emily Winterton looks to shut down some of Bathurst's options. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK
THE “favourites” tag doesn’t sit well with Orange A State League netball coach Cindy Gilchrist.
Orange A will be chasing a 17th consecutive Central West State League title tomorrow but Gilchrist said her players aren’t getting ahead of themselves.
Orange A has gone through the season undefeated with their closest result a 17-point victory over Orange B in their first game.
In tomorrow’s semi-finals, Orange A, who ranked first on the competition ladder, will take on fourth qualifier Bathurst.
In the two games they have played to date Orange A has won by more than 50 goals each time.
“We are expected to win but I don’t like that tag,” Gilchrist said.
“Going on past history, we should win.”
The coach said there’s also no chance her players would take it easy in the semi-final.
“There’s not a chance in hell we’ll switch off for anybody,” she said.
“State League is one of those things that brings out the competitive edge in people.”
Orange has been the dominant force in State League netball for almost 20 years.
This year, for the second in a row, Orange has fielded two teams in the top division.
Orange B has finished in third behind Dubbo and the two teams will clash in the other semi-final.
The winners of each semi-final will contest the grand final.
Gilchrist believes there is a real chance the final could be an all-Orange affair.
“I think everyone would be excited if we had an all-Orange final,” Gilchrist said.
“I believe there’s a strong possibility that will happen. It’s the best of the best in the region and it would be a testament to what we have happening in Orange.”
Gilchrist said Orange B need to have a strong start against Dubbo to give themselves the best chance of playing in the final.
Tomorrow’s State League semi-finals will start at 9am at the Orange PCYC with Dubbo taking on Bathurst in the division two semi-final. Parkes have the bye.
Orange A will take on Bathurst and Dubbo will go up against Orange B at 10.10am.
The division two final is at 11.20am followed by the division one decider at 12.30pm.