Returning to Orange for the Western NSW cricket carnival for the sixth time, Canberra’s ACT Yellow supporter Tim Brown said the city was a well-kept secret.

“Every time I come down I think ‘why don’t we come here more often?’,” he said. 

“A lot of other towns could take notice of Orange.”

Part of a group of about 30 parents from Canberra who travelled to support ACT’s three teams, Mr Brown said the great sports grounds and good restaurants, which could accommodate big groups, made it an obvious choice for the annual cricket carnival.

“I notice it all shuts down pretty early though. It’s a country town from that perspective,” he said.

The families of teams from Wagga Wagga and Sydney, as well as an invitational team made up of girls from various regional cities and towns also chased the shade around Sir Jack Brabham Park, with two matches taking place there on the third day of the Western NSW Under-15 Carnival.

Wagga Wagga’s Angela Angel was in Orange for the second time to support son Lachlan Angel, part of a group of about 30 staying at the caravan park.

Mrs Angel said Orange’s cricket fields were better than Wagga’s.

“Not as many turfs [wickets] but it’s beautiful here. Well kept,” she said.

“A bit more shade would be good, but that’s everywhere.”

Jas Sing arrived on Sunday to support the North West Sydney Under-15 boys team. 

He was one of 20 parents and 12 boys staying at the Charles Sturt University student accommodation for the week while the campus cleared out for the summer.

Mr Sing said the group had eaten out every night and loved the lack of traffic.

“People are warm and welcoming. We’ve enjoyed our time so far,” he said.

Supporting the Penrith girls team, Catherine Pratt was part of a group of 13 families who were staying in a hotel together.

She said the majority of them ate out most nights and 45 of them had booked a team dinner at La Porchetta on Thursday.

“We tend to set ourselves up and travel as a pack,” she said.

“A few of the girls had an hour spare yesterday and used it to go shopping in the air conditioning. Given the weather it’s anything they can do to keep cool.”