Gosford ran out 30-24 victors in the overall competition, securing the Malynley Shield in the process, but Orange High salvaged some pride with a 28-12 demolition job in yesterday afternoon’s main event.

Led by second-row pairing Hugh Taylor and Charlie Bubb - the latter proving his talent extends far beyond mixed martial arts - Orange High ran in 20 second-half points to secure the win over a gallant, but undisciplined Gosford side.

“It was a pretty good win, even if it didn’t affect the overall result,” OHS co-coach Anthony Wharton said.

“We went out there expecting to be the stronger side, and the boys played really well. It was one of those games where we could use all our substitutes and get everyone a run which was great.

“To be fair, we have a pretty good rotation too, and it was a good win before two really tough tests against [Denison College) Bathurst [High Campus] and Dubbo [College Senior Campus] in the Astley Cup.”

Taylor starred for the hosts in the opening half of the clash - played in what can only be described as a mudheap - and with OHS dominating possession and field position he opened the scoring in the 10th minute, crossing in the left corner.

Mitch Moore couldn’t add the extras, and when Gosford fullback Matthew Graham’s 14th minute try went unconverted the scores were locked at 4-all.

When Taylor put winger Lachlan Duncan into the corner seven minutes later the hosts took a four-point lead, which was pegged back late in the half thanks to Gosford hooker Teancum Kumar.

Graham’s conversion sailed wide, leaving the score locked at 8-all at the half-time break.

Errors and ill-discipline crept into the visitors’ game in the second period, allowing Orange High fullback Josh Swain to grab two four pointers within minutes of each other.

Orange prop Tom Fenualelei and halfback Hayd’n Baragry both crossed not long after, and two Moore conversions pushed the score to 28-8, before Gosford skipper Kurtis Stevens scored a consolation try on full-time.

More than anything I was really impressed with our ball handling,” Wharton said.

“Considering the conditions we held the ball really well. That was our plan leading into it as well. We knew if we could control the ball we’d be pretty hard to beat.”

ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL 28 (Josh Swain 2, Hugh Taylor, Lachlan Duncan, Tom Fenualelei, Hayd’n Baragry tries; Mitch Moore 2 goals) def GOSFORD HIGH SCHOOL 12 (Kurtis Stevens, Teancum Kumar, Matt Graham tries).