The men's 20s team from the Orange Thunder have fallen one step short of glory at the NSW State Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last year the squad managed to make it to the semi-finals before they were knocked out of the competition.
This time around they were looking to do even better and they got off to a good start, topping the ladder after the group stage.
"We had some really good games and had a really tough one against Peninsula where we won 3-2," Orange coach Wayne Hill said.
"We then played them again in the quarter final where we beat them in a drop-off, which was quite exciting."
Another victory in the semi-final and they had made it all the way to the final match where they were to play Port Makos,
"It wasn't really surprising to make it that far," coach Hill said.
"We were quite confident going in.
"We've got a pretty good squad of boys playing in the under 18s and the majority of our team was made up of those younger players."
But unfortunately for the Orange boys, it wasn't to be.
Port ran out to an early lead and the Thunder never really settled into the game, as they eventually fell 8-1.
"We probably weren't in the game from the start," Hill said.
"Port came out running pretty well.
"They were fast and strong and we just didn't go with them.
"The kids were a bit dejected, but in the washup and after having a chat afterwards, you can see it puts them in good position for the junior rep series next.
"It is still a massive achievement to make it that far with the young squad we have.
"We lost in the semi final last year and the grand final this year, so hopefully the upward trend continues and we win it next year."
The Junior State Cup, for which the majority of this Orange side will be eligible for, is the premier NSW Touch Football junior representative event.
Each year it is conducted in late February in Port Macquarie (Northern Conference) and Wagga Wagga (Southern Conference) with the State Final to determine State Champions.
The Southern Conference tournament for which Orange will compete at, will take place from Friday, February 26 to Sunday, February 28 at Jubilee Park & Conolly Park in Wagga Wagga.
Now coach Hill says it is business as usual as they prepare for juniors.
"We can't let a result like this allow you to get ahead of yourselves," he said.
"You have got to stick to what you do best.
"But this result should keep them in good stead for their junior season."
The Central Western Daily relies on your support to keep doing what we do. If you're not already a subscriber, please consider coming on board. For as little as $3 a week for full digital access, a subscription represents great value.
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below