COMMITMENT in defence was a hallmark of Dubbo Kangaroos' march to the minor premiership this year and it was that professionalism which led them to a thrilling 20-19 win over Orange City in Saturday's Blowes Clothing Cup major semi-final.
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The Roos secured a home grand final for the first time since 2008 after they held out against a barrage of City attacking raids midway through the second half. Once they finally got some field position teenage winger Blake Sharpe, who had been targeted by the Lions all day, dived over from close range and James Mata nailed the sideline conversion for what turned out to be the match-winning points.
City fullback Cameron Cole set up a grandstand finale when he finished a 90-metre break with just two minutes to go but the Roos reclaimed the ball from the resulting kickoff and hung on for the victory.
"Today defensively was where we stood up," Dubbo coach Paul Hennock said after the win.
"We let in that try at the end but defensively is where we held them out all day, we didn't really look like letting them in.
"In the big games it's about defence and fewer errors so we've just got to work on less errors now."
Orange City co-coach Steve Hamson couldn't hide his disappointment after the match and said his side would have to improve next week if they wanted to return to Dubbo for the decider.
"We started a bit flat then we probably had enough ball and field position but we just didn't execute at their end as well as we could have, we gave away a few mistakes a bit uncharacteristically," he said.
"I think we'll have to lift (next week), we'll have to be better than that but I think we've got it in us."
Dubbo got off to the perfect start to the match when Mata scored after a barnstorming run from Filisione Pauta inside five minutes.
Scott Burgess missed the conversion and City's Mesui Lemoto then kicked three of four penalties attempts before the break, sandwiched by a smart try from Roos scrumhalf Wade Richardson when he darted through a gap when there was seemingly nothing on.
The Roos looked set to lead 10-9 at the break but right on half-time Duncan Young booted an incredible 52-metre penalty to give his side a 12-10 lead.
A Burgess penalty had the Roos back in front early in the second half but from then on it was all Orange City. The Roos gave away a number of penalties and after Lemoto missed another chance the Lions opted to kick for touch and go for the try rather than take the three points.
Orange's Scott Smith and Jake Davis led the charge but the Dubbo defence, led by the likes of Brad Pugh and James Elliot, stood firm.
The Roos worked their way out of trouble and took their chance at the other end and despite the late scare with Cole going across the line, the minor premiers hung on for the win.
"We work on scoring our tries out wide, doesn't make it easy for our goalkickers but it means we've got to score a few more tries so it's really good but the ultimate goal is two weeks' time," Hennock said of the three-try-to-one win, before praising his forward pack.
"Our back row is outstanding. They're not necessarily recognised as quality footballers or representatives but week in, week out you wouldn't get too many blokes better than that."
o DUBBO KANGAROOS 20 (James Mata, Wade Richardson, Blake Sharpe tries; Mata conv; Scott Burgess pen) def ORANGE CITY 19 (Cameron Cole try; Sam Powell 1 conv; Mesui Lemoto 3, Duncan Young pens)