THERE is no doubt about it, Orange City knows how to grind out wins.
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They did it in this Blowes Clothing Cup season’s opening round when winger Cameron Cole scored in injury time to steal a one-point win over Parkes in Parkes.
On Saturday, at Endeavour Oval, it was outside centre Jake Davis who scored the match-winner in the dying minute.
However, his try meant even more to the Lions than Cole’s first-round winner as it pushed them into this Saturday’s major semi-final against minor premiers Dubbo Kangaroos.
“It feels amazing,” Davis smiled, even though he was sporting a split lip.
“We’ve worked hard all year and we’ve just lacked something, but we’ve really come together this week and it’s just come together perfectly. We’re used to the semi-final footy, whereas Emus aren’t, and we sort of showed that today.”
Orange City trailed Emus 29-28 and, with minutes left on the clock, the Lions were awarded a short arm penalty off the back off a scrum and they took a tap 45 metres out from the Emus’ line.
Watch our video interview with Orange City's Jake Davis:
It wasn’t long before the two-time defending premiers were pressuring the Emus’ line.
“The boys were pick and driving and pick and driving, and all the players and Emus boys went into the ruck,” Davis explained.
“There was sort of two-on-two. As soon as I got the ball they were just chasing me across. I ducked back in and beat one fella and then I ducked for the line and got through and did my knee on the way. I reached out and got there.”
The Lions players celebrated and their supporters erupted into cheers.
“It was important for us to get a rolling start in the semis,” Davis said.
“We knew it would be a good battle.”
Despite injuring his knee during his try-scoring efforts, Davis didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d play in this Saturday’s major semi-final against the Kangaroos.
“I’ll be right for next week for sure,” he smiled.
