WITH back-to-back victories over Newcastle (2) and Sydney East (2) on the opening day of the Hockey NSW Under 15 Boys’ Field State Championships yesterday, Orange is poised to take top spot in pool A of division two.

Orange thumped Newcastle (2) 4-nil before overcoming Sydney East (2) 2-nil, and providing the side secures wins against Parkes and North West Sydney (2) today it will qualify for Sunday’s play-offs in first spot.

“We’re definitely aiming for top spot now,” Orange coach Mark Pengilly said.

“We didn’t actually play very well in that second game, we started playing their game a bit but we got away with the win.

“We’re in a pretty good position, and we’ll look to grab a couple more wins (today).”

Bailey Ferguson, Henry Jones, Connor Morris and Kyle Walker all scored goals in Orange’s first up win, before Morris and Trent Wilde found the back of the net against Sydney East.

“We played much better in the first game than we did in the second,” Pengilly said.

“(Against Newcastle) we got plenty of shots away, and created a lot of opportunities and the boys finished them off.

“Actually in general our passing has been very good, and when the boys have linked up they have played some very good hockey.”

Parkes, traditionally a strong side in any age group, will be the sterner test of his sides’ credentials, Pengilly said, adding his side can’t afford to take either game lightly.

“More of the same I think, Parkes will be the tougher game I’d say,” Pengilly said.

“From here two wins would be good, and get ourselves the early game on Sunday.”

With a bucketload of rain falling in Grafton, the draw has changed. Orange now takes on North West Sydney (2) at 12.10pm and Parkes at 5.10pm.