Orange High loses Astley Cup tie with Bathurst

A STUNNING upset victory in yesterday’s rugby league clash wasn’t enough to spur Orange High School to victory in the opening Astley Cup tie against their Bathurst counterparts, with the latter now in the box seat to claim the 2015 title after securing a 434-366 win.

After taking a 16-point lead into yesterday’s second day of play, Orange’s win in the rugby league extended the buffer before Bathurst poked its nose in front with a 2-nil win (75-25 points split) in the girls’ soccer.

With the tie poised at 366-334 in Bathurst’s favour heading into the final event, Bathurst’s boys’ soccer side won out 1-nil (67-33).

Bathurst scored its goal early on, and Orange’s representative-laden side fought back hard in the second half but was unable to capitalise.

“It’s disappointing but we think winning the cup is definitely still achievable,” OHS rugby league coach Anthony Wharton said.

“Dubbo (College Senior Campus) come to us next week, and Bathurst face a pretty tough trip to Dubbo after that, so we’re definitely still a chance.”

With anyone and everyone predicting a Bathurst win in the rugby league, OHS pulled a rabbit out of the hat to claim a thrilling 30-28 (52-48) victory at Carrington Park thanks to a clutch, last minute, match-winning conversion from winger Mitch Moore.

“It was actually the only kick Mitch took all day too,” Wharton said.

“Hayd’n (Baragry) had been kicking, and didn’t miss one all game. Mitch has kicked for us before, and did the job again.”

The lead changed several times in the league clash, with Bathurst opening the scoring before OHS replied with two quick tries. The hosts levelled the scores late in the half, locking the game up at 12-all at the break.

The sides traded second half tries, and with Bathurst leading 28-24 with less than a minute on the clock the result looked sealed.

However OHS halfback Baragry, also a Western Division under 18 representative, weaved his magic in the dying stages, crossing with just 40 seconds left on the clock, and hurting himself in the process, severely enough to be unable to take the shot at goal.

Moore duly stepped up in his place, rocketing the conversion straight over the black dot to claim the win.

Orange will host Dubbo on Thursday and Friday next week.

DAY ONE: Orange High 208 led Bathurst High 192

DAY TWO: 

RUGBY LEAGUE: Orange High 30 def Bathurst High 28 (Points split 52-48).

GIRLS’ SOCCER: Bathurst High 2 def Orange High 0 (75-25).

BOYS’ SOCCER: Bathurst High 1 def Orange High 0 (67-33).

OVERALL: Bathurst High 434 def Orange High 366.