WHILE Dubbo were unable to prevent Orange claiming their 19th consecutive Central West State League netball title, captain Michelle Williams admitted the strides her squad has made in the past 12 months makes it still feel like a victory.
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Dubbo traveled to the Orange PCYC on Sunday and despite leading at quarter-time in the final they eventually went down in a thriller, 56-47.
Orange have cruised to so many of their past titles but after Dubbo proved they can mix it with the best, Williams said the future looks bright.
"I think we'll come back bigger and better. Hopefully we'll be able to get two teams next year," she said.
"Because of the success of this year, we're looking at the next three-to-five years to build up State League in Dubbo, to build it back up to where it should be. We'll keep working on our fitness ... and hopefully we'll be fitter and faster next year."
Orange assistant coach Amanda Hurford said it was great to be tested, making the 2014 title all the more special.
"It's a fantastic thing for us. It's a fantastic thing for the region as well," Hurford said.
"It's been a close State League this year, even with the division two and 17s as well. The growth of netball is going well."
The assistant coach was almost shocked when she was reminded Orange had claimed a 19th-straight regional title.
"It's a big achievement for Orange," she beamed.
"Dubbo, all credit to them, they have worked very hard and there's been a big improvement in the last 12 months from their association. A big congratulations to them.
"We worked very hard to get our 19th win. I think we appreciate it a little bit more now."
In the major semi-final Orange Thunder downed Dubbo 54-37, while Bathurst edged out Orange (2) 40-37.
In the preliminary final Dubbo booked a grand final date with Orange by accounting for Bathurst 50-41.
The grand final was an epic battle.
Dubbo had the better start and were up 16-13 at the first break after star goal shooter Megan Liplyn nailed all 13 of her shots.
The Orange players kept their cool in the second quarter as they clawed their way back for a 27-26 lead at half-time and then extended it ever so slightly to lead 40-26 with one quarter to go.
Some outstanding defence from both ends made goals hard to come by but Orange was able to extend their lead and claim another central west crown.
The centre-court tussle between Orange's Tegan Dray and Dubbo's Grace Pilon was exciting to watch as they wrestled to give their sides the upper hand.
Dubbo shooters Liplyn and Abbie Merritt were outstanding under some immense pressure.
At the other end, Orange shooters Sinead Davis and Erin Johnstone made an outstanding combination.
After the match Williams was understandably happy with her side's performance.
"Amazing," she said of her team's efforts.
"We couldn't have asked for a better game. They were just a better team today which is a credit to them.
"I couldn't have asked for more from the girls today. They played three whole hours of netball today and some of us played all three games, so I couldn't have asked for much more. We've worked really hard on our fitness and I think that showed today."
