YEAR IN REVIEW: The biggest moments, good and bad, of 2017

Looking back it’s hard to deny 2017 was one of the biggest 12-month periods in Orange sporting history… wait, I think I said that in 2016?

Oh well, I’m making the claim again.

After trawling through the 2017 archives, there’s a handful of moments and achievements that stand out above the rest for yours truly.

For the record, I’ve ruled out Orange products on the international stage and chosen to focus a bit more locally.

Although, I have made one exception...

Jason Belmonte became the GOAT… almost.

The two-handed phenom certainly stamped his claim for that title anyway, re-writing the history books to become the first player to win three majors in one year with his World Series of Bowling triumph – also his ninth career major.

A lock for the PBA Hall of Fame once he retires, Belmonte also claimed a record fourth USBC Masters title.

He now trails only Pete Weber and the late Earl Anthony (both 10) for majors won, and on his current trajectory he should fly past them, potentially in 2018.

He’s that exception I mentioned, and why wouldn’t he be?

It’s crazy enough to know the best bowler in the world is from, and still lives in Orange, but what about when his GOAT claim inevitably becomes undeniable?

Godspeed, Belmo. Get it done.

REPORT: The GOAT: Belmo blazes to ninth career major, sets PBA record

It seemed like it never would, but Orange Netball Association’s 21-year stranglehold on the Netball NSW Central West Regional League finally came to an end.

A young, enthusiastic Bathurst side brings the unprecedented streak to an end, beating the Thunder 51-43 in the decider at Sir Neville Howse Stadium.

REPORT: The streak is over: Bathurst brings Orange’s two decade-long dominance to an end

The NSW Swifts broke new ground with their regional tour to Dubbo and Orange and the fans certainly repaid the Suncorp Super Netball franchise’s faith in them, turning up in droves to meet stars like Paige Hadley, Abbey McCulloch and Helen Housby.

The whole tour was magnificent, and long overdue considering the popularity of the sport in the central west, particularly in Orange. The Swifts pledged to return, too.

There’s big things coming from this, methinks.

REPORT: NSW Swifts’ regional tour proves a massive hit with central west fans

September 10

I still can’t really comprehend Orange CYMS’ comeback in the Group 10 premier league grand final, capped off by Mick Sullivan’s stunning 77^th minute field goal.

It was bonkers, they were 22-8 down with 20 minutes to go for goodness sake.

Sullivan couldn’t have struck his shot much better either and the game, well, it will long be considered one if, if not the best Group 10 grand final ever played.

I’ll give another shout out to Joe Lasagavibau here too, he was breathtaking in the final passages of his side’s 23-22 win.

REPORT: Cometh the hour: Sullivan’s last-gasp field goal seals CYMS’ miracle grand final comeback

Normally when I write about Cinderella stories in sport, it ends in a premiership.

Not this one.

Confederates’ fairytale finish was simply to make the women’s Premier League Hockey finals for the first time.

They did, beating cross-city rivals Ex-Services in the race for fourth with a 2-2 final round draw against Lithgow Panthers.

Feds got bundled out in the first week, but who cares, the sheer joy on their faces when they realised they’d made the post-season was magical.

REPORT: Panthers draw secures Confederates’ landmark post-season berth

Orange City Netball Club, formerly Robin Hood, secured its 10^th consecutive Orange Netball Association Toyota Cup title.

Yes, 10^th straight. Remarkable isn’t it?

It was also the club’s first as the Lions, after they affiliated with Orange City Rugby Club prior to the season.

The Lions held off Hawks Royal in the decider, winning 57-49 in front of a parochial Sir Neville Howse Stadium crowd.

REPORT: Orange City handles pressure and storms to 10^th consecutive title

Orange Emus’ pain, Forbes Platypi’s gain.

Finally, the Platypi toppled the green juggernaut that was Emus, doing so on the Blowes Clothing Cup’s biggest stage.

After all of Forbes’ heartbreak at Emus – more so Nigel Staniforth’s hands – the Platypi comprehensively bested the undefeated minor premiers at Endeavour Oval, sparking raucous celebrations.

As an Emus player I happened to be on the losing side of it and that wasn’t nice but as a journalist, it was pretty hard not to get wrapped up in the buzz.

It was Forbes’ fairytale, and they well and truly deserved it.

REPORT: Forbes knocks off Emus to claim first premiership in 14 years

Orange District Cricket Association secured its first trophy since 2009-10, by winning the Mitchell Cricket Council Twenty20 Cup.

And what a way to do it, edging Bathurst out in a thrilling super over.

Both Orange and Bathurst managed just 8-100 from their 20 overs, before Ed Morrish stood up with the ball in the super over for the Bluebaggers.

He held Bathurst to 2-9, before Dean Turner and Josh Doherty made the 10 required for victory.

REPORT: Drought broken: Orange claims first trophy in almost a decade in super over

After years of toiling to make it work, Orange Harness Racing Club finally officially moves to Towac Park.

After several trials the first meeting is run, with Mitch Turnbull becoming the first to drive a winner on the grass track.

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the trots, but there’s certainly no doubting the magnitude of this for the sport in Orange and the region.

REPORT: Making history: Turnbulls become first winners on Towac’s grass track

After setting their eyes on the Samsung State Age Championships division two crown at the beginning of the year, Orange Netball Association’s under 13s realise their dream.

The young Orange stars won 15 of 18 games to sit level with Wagga Wagga on top of the standings at the end of day three, but a superior percentage thanks to netting 70 more goals meant the ONA outfit was crowned state champions, earning promotion to the championship division in 2018 as a result.

The youngsters had the chance to play against Grasshoppers Fiji too, an experience coach Sue Dean said they’ll always cherish.

REPORT: Stirring Tuggeranong win propels young guns to state age championship crown