Boys show their class on the grass

Taking on Bathurst on turf in the first game of the day, Orange settled in to the game quickly, creating many opportunities that were just wide or shaved the posts. 

The sweltering heat had an early effect on a number of players, but the team showed great support for each other and used the ball cleverly to secure a 2-nil victory. 

Next up was the strong Lithgow outfit, who are usually the benchmark for the boys competition. 

With both teams playing on the unfamiliar grass, Orange were in control of the game early but it took until the second half for the boys to adapt, putting the ball into space and chasing everything down. 

This adaptation saw the team rewarded with a strong 4-0 win.

From there it was back to the much preferred turf and Dubbo as our rivals. 

Excellent defensive work from the backs and halves really limited any opportunities for Dubbo, while at the other end the forwards were using the ball well and creating many goal-scoring opportunities. 

In a dominant display Orange were again 4-0 victors.

The final match up of the day was against home side Parkes on the grass field. 

It was a tight first half with Orange dominating possession but not a lot of opportunities created. 

A reminder at the break to use the ball early and long quickly paid dividends and Orange were able to secure their fourth win of the day 2-nil.

Eight players from Orange were selected in the Western Conference team to compete in Canberra over the June long weekend.

The Orange team will now turn its focus to the start of the local season in May and further ahead to the Under 13 State Championships to be played in Taree in July.

ORANGE: Connor Morris, Thomas Banham, Sam McDonald, Luke Rosewarn, Mitch Watts, Bailey Ferguson, Mitch O’Dea, Brad Pengilly, Brendan Wilson, Henry Jones, Kyle Rosewarn, Thomas Powe, Hugh Farley, Jack Fleming.