Orange dominates Don Green Western Junior Championships at Dubbo | Photos

The Thunder were unstoppable in most age groups, winning the boys under 10s, 12s, 14s and 18s and girls under 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s.

The two divisions they didn’t win, they finished runner-up.

Dubbo had hosting rights for the 40-team event at Riverbank Ovals and their under 14s boys made it to the decider, where they were beaten by Orange 6-1.

NSW Hunter Western Hornets Regional Touch tournament director Karen Davies said Orange had set a high benchmark for other sides.

“They have been a dominate team, making every grand final and will be the victors in the club championship, they are very strong,” she said.

The Orange under-18s boys went through the tournament undefeated but came up against their traditional rivals Parkes in the final.

They traded scores throughout the match but Orange’s class shone through in the dying stages and they scored four more times to give them a comfortable 7-3 margin.

“Parkes are a team that have been a threat to us for the last few years so it’s good to get a victory,” Orange coach Joel Begnell said.

“It’s good to see Orange going well. Players, coaches and parents put a lot of effort in so it’s a nice reward for them.”

A total of 40 teams took part in the tournament including two from outside the traditional region of the Hornets.

“Young wanted to participate and Parramatta also sent a team for the girls under 18s. That shows the news of the tournament is spreading far and wide,” Davies said.

“We have three tournaments a year, one for juniors in the western area named after Don Green, who has been instrumental in the Hornets association for a long time. He does selecting now for the state body.

“The other tournaments are on the coast, one junior and one senior.”

Dubbo has hosting rights for two years and will hold the 2018 tournament. It could also host 2019.