THREE goals from Orange Tigers forward Caleb Campbell has helped the black and golds secure a crucial 9.11 (65) to 4.11 (35) win over last year’s Central West AFL reserve grade premiers Bathurst Bushrangers.
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Played on Anzac Day at Bathurst’s George Park while both first grade and under 18s competitions enjoyed a general bye, the Tigers set up the win on the back of a dominant first half, with the Bushies only managing to squeeze two behinds past the Tigers’ defence in the first two quarters.
The visitors’ tight defence turned into points at the other end of the ground, too, as the Tigers kicked five goals and seven behinds to lead by 35 points at the major change.
The Tigers booted another two majors in the third quarter to bump their lead out to 37, essentially securing victory with the final period still to come.
The hosts enjoyed their best footy in the final term, booting three goals, but it was too little too late as the Tigers ran in another two goals to secure the 30-point victory and leap to third on the 2015 Central West AFL reserve grade ladder behind Parkes and the Bushies, the former on top thanks to a staggering percentage of 4240.00.
“It’s a strong competition this year, especially with Parkes back and then Young dropping back from first grade,” Tigers coach Jeremy Russell said.
“With it being six teams this year we’ve got to work harder to make that top four. The boys know they’ve got to turn up and put in on the training paddock.”
Russell said he was thrilled with his side’s effort, bouncing back from 61-point loss to the Saints in round two.
“I’m pretty happy with that effort from the boys in our first game against them after last year,” he said, Dan Freeman, Leigh Turner and fullback Matt Tabbernor.
“The boys played some pretty decent footy.”
The club has 60 registered players, making it the strongest in the league.
The result is Russell calling on as many as 10 players who’d be walk up starts in most first grade sides across the region.
“But that doesn’t mean we can take things easy,”
“We know we have to fight for our place in the top four this year.”