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AROUNDTHEGROUNDS with ANTHONY BARBAGALLO Western Premier League: Round 20 Action Waratahs clinch vital win against Panorama FC Waratahs snatched a late winner to beat 10-man Panorama FC 2-1 last Saturday evening at the Waratahs Sports Ground. The crucial victory extends the competition leaders’ winning streak to six games and gives them a six-point buffer over Panorama.

The Tahs came into this top-ofthe-table clash off the back of some tremendous form and a midweek 2-1 win over Dubbo Bulls. Sitting three points behind the current leaders, Panorama was looking to spoil the party and snap their opponent’s dominant form, but the Sky Blues were having none of it on the night.

CYMS suffer more heartbreak in big loss to Parkes Cobras Orange CYMS endured another heavy defeat in this season’s Western Premier League after going down to Parkes Cobras 6-2. That’s now 14 losses for the green-and-gold, who will be desperate for this painful campaign to end.

CYMS take on Lithgow Workies, another struggling team, in their last game of the season this weekend. With nothing to lose, both sides will be keen to finish this difficult year on a high note.

Rugby Union: First-Grade Blowes Cup Finals Action Orange Emus survive minor semifinal test against Dubbo Roos

After a tight battle in the first half, both sides walked into the dressing rooms with the scoreline tied at 1-1. But in the second 45 minutes, the two teams played with more urgency, each chasing that critical winner. While more was on the line for Panorama, the Bathurst side went down to 10 men in the latter stages of the second period.

Orange Emus kept their finals run alive after beating Dubbo Roos 20-15 in last Sunday’s minor semi-final clash at the Bathurst Bulldogs Rugby Club.

Waratahs capitalised on the extraman advantage and took the lead with 10 minutes left. As a result, the North Orange side secured a hard-fought victory that keeps them on top of the Western Premier League standings with one round remaining and takes them one step closer to the minor premier’s plate.

The Dubbo Roos took a 3-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes through a penalty goal, but the Emus soon responded with the game’s opening try in the 16th minute. After gaining more confidence going forward, the Orange side crossed the line for their second try in the 26th minute to take a 12-3 lead.

Adam Scimone’s men have been unstoppable in the last couple of months, saving their best football at the right end of the season. The Tahs came into the 2022 season as one of the heavy favourites to win the crown, and they have certainly lived up to their expectations.

As the Emus were starting to look in full control, the Roos hit back with a try four minutes later. But, just on the cusp of halftime, the Emus scored their third try to take a 17-8 lead into the break.

Barnies triumph over Mudgee Wolves Barnstoneworth United charged home to beat the inconsistent Mudgee Wolves 2-0 last Saturday afternoon at Jack Brabham Park. The vital win keeps Barnies in third spot with 36 points, giving them some breathing space between Dubbo Bulls and Bathurst ‘75s.

After a disappointing stalemate with Parkes Cobras in the previous round, the red-and-whites were keen to make up for the lost points and keep their top-four spot for the finals. Barnies’ dynamism in attack and strength in the backline were enough to beat Mudgee and secure their 10th victory of the campaign.

With the Emus unable to host the fixture due to home turf issues at Endeavour Oval, both Orange and Dubbo travelled to Bathurst to play this sudden-death game.

After the interval, some courageous defending and a penalty goal were enough for the Emus to secure a slim win to take them into the next round of the 2022 Blowes Cup finals. The Emus will travel to Cowra this Saturday to take on the Cowra Eagles in a spot for the Grand Final.

Woodbridge Cup Finals: Orange United Warriors stun Trundle Boomers Orange United Warriors pulled off a massive upset in Trundle, beating the Boomers 26-16 to survive another week of finals footy in the 2022 Woodbridge Cup. With third-placed Trundle only losing two games all season and boasting a decorated record in the competition’s finals series, this contest was always going to be a tough mountain to climb

for the sixth-placed Warriors. But after comfortably beating Condobolin Rams 40-10 in the first week of the finals, Orange United showed the same fight to notch an incredible win in this do-or-die semi-final showdown.

The Warriors travel to Oberon this Sunday to take on the Oberon Tigers in a preliminary final.

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last Saturday after going to extra time and stunning their opponents with a 3-1 shootout victory. With this famous triumph, CYMS have booked their spot in this weekend’s preliminary final with Lithgow Panthers.

Orange Hawks fall short in their preliminary final loss to St Pat’s

After snatching fourth spot and the last finals place from rivals Orange United in the last regular round, CYMS came into the first week of the Women’s Premier League Hockey finals looking to stun another top opponent. The green-andgold fancied their chances in this battle, matching Souths’ aggressive attack and resolute defence.

The dream of an all-Orange Senior League Tag Grand Final ended last Saturday, as Orange Hawks lost 22-12 against St Pat’s. The Hawks’ cross-town rivals, CYMS, will take on the Bathurst side in this weekend’s big dance at Carrington Park.

With the scoreline tied at 3-3 after regular time, both sides couldn’t gain any advantage in overtime. But, thanks to some fantastic saves from CYMS goalkeeper Ellen Dolbel, the green-andgold secured the victory in an intense shootout.

Group 10 Westfund Senior League Tag

The Hawks side was confident going into this tricky encounter after eliminating the Cowra Magpies in the semi-final. But, despite their bravery, the Two Blues couldn’t keep out St Pat’s attacking threats. Although the Hawks will feel bitter about this setback, the young side can still be proud of their deep run in the 2022 season.

Good luck to the Orange CYMS in this weekend’s silverware battle with St Pat’s!

AFL Central West Youth Girls Orange Tigers Youth Girls defeat Bathurst Giants to book spot in Grand Final The Orange Tigers Youth Girls side claimed a famous 35-20 win against the Bathurst Giants in last weekend’s thrilling semi-final clash at Waratahs Sports Ground. The Tigers will now take on the Bathurst Bushrangers in the big dance this Sunday at George Park.

While the Orange Tigers have struggled in the senior divisions this season, the U17s Girl’s side is giving the Tiger faithful something to cheer about during the finals footy time. Good luck to the Tigers this weekend!

Women’s Premier League Hockey Semi-Finals Orange CYMS beat Bathurst Souths in thrilling shootout Orange CYMS won their minor semifinal clash against Bathurst Souths

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CYMS will be confident going into their fixture with Panthers, eyeing another famous upset against the competition’s minor premiers.

Division 1 Netball: Round 13 Action There is only one more round until the finals kick-off in the Orange premier netball competition. OCNC Craig Harvey Mechanical currently leads the competition with 39 points, while Vipers sit behind with 34 points. Three teams, from third to fifth, sit on 27 points. The Hawks currently sit in seventh spot, while LS MID WEST EYES and KWS Firsts are at the bottom of the table.

The Vipers stamped their authority in the top-four clash with OHS Hornets, beating the former champions 53-31. As a result, the Hornets sit on 27 points with LIFE STUDIO and OCNC Our City Real Estate joining them for company.

OCNC Craig Harvey Mechanical ran riot in their 66-23 win against LIFE STUDIO, maintaining their perfect record this season. The Division 1 leaders will be looking to finish the regular campaign undefeated in this weekend’s Round 14.

OCNC Our City Real Estate survived a slight scare against last-placed KWS, with the green-and-orange coming through in their 53-49 win. This victory keeps Our City Real Estate in touch with the top four.

Hawks Marvasti Security got the job done against LS MID WEST EYES, clinching a thrilling 52-50 win.

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ORANGE CITY LIFE | AUGUST 25 — 31, 2022

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with ANTHONY BARBAGALLO

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A UNIQUE 2021 ORANGE SPORTS AWARDS PRESENTATION

Orange Ex-Services’ Club’s women bowlers are delighted to be back at The Country Club, their Bloomfield Clubhouse.

Winning streak for Country Club’s women bowlers Orange Ex-Services’ Club’s women bowlers have been on a winning streak these past weeks, winning both the Central Western District Fours Championships at Cowra, followed by the District Pairs Championship at Forbes.

“We are doing pretty good for a small club,” Club President Trish Wilson said.

“We still have Triples and Singles to go, so we have two teams in the Triples which we hope will do okay.”

It’s the first time the Club has won the District Fours, she said, and quite a number of years since they claimed a Pairs trophy.

But the one prize all the Country Club bowlers really want is to be able to play on their own greens out at the Bloomfield clubhouse once more.

Following a two-and-a-half year shutdown, the renovated Country Club finally opened its doors to patrons back in June, and the bowling greens will,

hopefully, be back in use this spring.

“We just can’t wait,” Trish said. “The new Country Club, the new clubhouse, it is fantastic; great food and you get well looked after out here.”

“And we are certainly welcoming new players,” added Club Secretary Elaine Connor.

“We play on a Thursday morning every week… we are an active club, because we are always going away to Championships and when anybody else, Bathurst or anywhere, we go there to their Gala Days or Presidents Days.”

The club welcomes women of all ages and no experience is needed, Trish said.

“Elaine and I are qualified coaches — well we have four coaches in the club — and as soon as we get out here [The Country Club] we will be holding days separate to our playing days to help new players,” she said.

If anyone is interested in joining the Orange Ex-Services’ Club’s women bowlers can call Elaine Connor on 0418675090, or Trish Wilson on 0400379294.

CENTRAL WESTERN DISTRICT FOURS CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING TEAM: Elaine Connor, Yvonne Johnston, Trish Wilson and Judy Adams.

CENTRAL WESTERN DISTRICT PAIRS CHAMPIONS: Yvonne Johnston and Trish Wilson.

Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, Mark Frecklington, Oliver McLaughlin, Andrew Litchfield (representing Phoebe Litchfield) and Mayor Jason Hamling.

In light of last year’s difficulties caused by Covid, last week’s presentation of the 2021 Orange Sports Awards was a quieter affair.

Despite the disrupted 2021 sporting season, two athletes and one sports volunteer stood out due to their commitment and talent in their respective fields.

Rising star cricketer Phoebe Litchfield was named Sportsperson of the Year, young state champion swimmer Oliver McLaughlin the Junior Sportsperson of the year, and President of the Orange District Cricket Association, Mark Frecklington, was recognised as Sports Volunteer of the year for his commitment to country cricket.

Orange Mayor Jason Hamling and Sport and Recreation Committee Chair Cr Tammy Greenhalgh presented the awards at the Civic Centre last Friday.

PHOEBE LITCHFIELD: SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR Phoebe continues to shine on the big stage in cricket, and it’s only the beginning. A rising star in the game, she has also become an inspiration for many young female cricketers.

While undertaking her HSC studies in 2021 and playing for the Sydney Thunder Women’s Big Bash team and the NSW Breakers National Cricket League side, Phoebe also had the privilege of playing for the Australia A side in a T20 against England. Phoebe’s father, Andrew Litchfield, received the award on his daughter’s behalf.

OLIVER MCLAUGHLIN: JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR Oliver had a remarkable 2021 in the world of swimming. He is one of Orange’s brightest in the water, with his talent earning him a spot in the 2021 Olympic Swimming Trials.

Like Phoebe Litchfield, Oliver juggled his HSC studies and sporting events in a chaotic 2021 season. Oliver’s extraordinary performance at last year’s NSW State Age Swimming Championships resulted in two gold medals and one silver.

Oliver won gold in the 50-metre backstroke, breaking the championship record, and claimed another gold medal in the 100-metre backstroke. His silver medal success came in the boy’s medley relay before he took out silver at the National Age Swimming Championships in the 100m backstroke.

With all this success, Oliver will now pursue his dreams in the USA with a Division 1 Swimming Scholarship at Fairfield University.

MARK FRECKLINGTON: SPORTS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Mark received this award for his dedication to Orange and Central West cricket. As President of the Orange District Cricket Association, he also holds other roles where he helps run Central West, Western Zone and NSW Country cricket.

Mark’s passion and long-term commitment to cricket in the area are why this sport continues to be successful in the region.

ORANGE CITY LIFE | AUGUST 25 — 31, 2022

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with ANTHONY BARBAGALLO | photos HENRY DEROOY

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Orange CYMS neutralise Parkes Spacemen threat TO QUALIFY FOR PRELIMINARY FINAL A late second-half blitz saw Orange CYMS charge home to a 32-16 win against a brave Parkes Spacemen in last Sunday’s elimination semi-final at Wade Park. With this victory, CYMS remain in contention to win the inaugural Peter McDonald Premiership.

After their disappointing 36-14 loss to Dubbo CYMS, the former Group 10 premiers had a second chance to redeem themselves in this season’s finals series. But facing Parkes Spacemen would be no easy task for the greenand-gold, as the Group 11 side eliminated a strong St Pat’s in the previous week.

As anticipated, both sides played with great intensity right from the kick-off. The home side, though, got off to a flying start when winger Cooper Monk scored the opening try inside the first five minutes.

But after Patrick Williams failed to convert his side’s first try, Parkes immediately responded with a try of their own from hooker Samuel Dwyer. Chad Porter’s successful conversion gave the visitors a brief 6-4 lead before CYMS hit back with another try three minutes later to retake the lead.

The game settled for the next 20 minutes, with both teams scrambling to establish their dominance in this do-ordie contest. But, after some persistent pressure on CYMS’ goal-line, the Spacemen’s

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ORANGE CITY LIFE | AUGUST 25 — 31, 2022

Timoci Dabea cracked the opposition defence and crossed the line to give his side a second try five minutes before halftime.

The visitors failed to kick the conversion on the second attempt, meaning both sides walked into the break at 10-all.

Desperate to improve on their first-half shortcomings, CYMS entered the second half with more aggression and determination in their play. But it took 16 minutes of hard work before Daniel Mortimer’s men scored their third try to restore the lead. Mortimer extended the home side’s lead by 10 points several minutes later; yet another unsuccessful conversion and a Parkes try in the 63rd minute brought the contest back to a four-point game.

With 15 minutes to go and hanging on to a 20-16 lead, it looked like this semi-final battle would go down to the wire.

But two quick CYMS tries and a penalty goal in the final 10 minutes were enough to avert any danger and secure survival for another weekend of finals footy.

This much-needed win comes as a relief to the CYMS players, staff and faithful before this Sunday’s preliminary final with Forbes Magpies. Knowing they rediscovered their attacking mojo after defeating Parkes, Mortimer’s troops have high motivation going into this weekend’s meeting.