ORANGE CYMS captain-coach Michael Sullivan said his team’s Group 10 semi-final loss to Lithgow hasn’t dented their confidence.
The two-time defending champions lost to minor premiers Lithgow 32-24 in a see-sawing match on Sunday.
Lithgow were up 20-6 at the break but CYMS clawed their way back in the second half to lead 24-20.
Playing at home, Lithgow lifted and put on 12 points to secure the win and the home grand final.
Sullivan said there were good and bad things to take from the game and his players were aware of them.
“I’m not too disappointed in the way we played,” Sullivan said.
“I’m disappointed that we let it get away in the first 30 minutes. We got it back to 6-all and then there was another crucial turnover and they put 14 quick points on us.
“It was a really good effort to come back because not many sides can do that against Lithgow.”
The captain-coach said his players weren’t disheartened by the loss.
“The boys were really good after the game,” he said.
“They were disappointed to lose but they’re keen to play St Pat’s and try and make a third grand final. They showed a bit of fire in the belly in the last 10 minutes of the game that they still want it.
“We’re looking forward to playing at home on Sunday and trying to make it to the grand final.”
CYMS will take on Bathurst St Pat’s in Sunday’s preliminary final for the right to play Lithgow in the grand final.
Should CYMS win, they would be chasing a third straight premiership.
However, Sullivan added they’re not getting ahead of themselves.
“We spoke about focusing on this week and getting the job done,” Sullivan said.
“St Pat’s are a quality side and they’ve beaten us twice this year so it’s going to be a tough game.”
St Pat’s and CYMS have met twice during the regular season with the Bathurst side coming out on top 36-18 in round seven and 12-10 in round 16.
They clashed against in the preliminary major semi-final where CYMS demolished St Pat’s 64-22.
On Saturday, St Pat’s accounted for Oberon 26-8 in the minor semi-final.
CYMS will have a light training run tonight before focusing on their game plan for the final later in the week.
Sullivan said all the premier league players pulled up well from the loss to Lithgow and they should field the same side against St Pat’s.
Orange CYMS will host the Group 10 preliminary finals at Wade Park on Sunday.