ORANGE’S unbeaten run at the division two Hockey NSW Under 15 Boys’ Field State Championships came to a heartbreaking end yesterday, losing out to Grafton in the decider.

With the state title and promotion to division one in 2016 on the line, Orange couldn’t match the competition hosts at Grafton Hockey Centre, eventually going down 6-0

“We didn’t think we’d get that far, especially not unbeaten until then,” Orange coach Mark Pengilly said.

“We’re exceptionally happy with how we went all weekend. Unfortunately we met a very slick mob in Grafton in the final. They were the best team in division two all weekend and played very good hockey.”

Orange had high hopes going into the clash, but the result was all but sown up when Grafton found the back of the net three times inside the opening 10 minutes.

The hosts scored another three goals in the first half to take a 6-0 lead into the halftime break, but Orange regrouped, holding Grafton to a 0-all second period.

“They just came out too quick,” Pengilly said.

“I don’t think we were expecting it, and those early goals hurt us. I was proud of the way the boys regrouped in the second half, but it was a bit late. We couldn’t put the goals on the board.”

Pengilly was hesitant to single out too many individual efforts, heaping praise on the entire side, but did make an exception for Josh Baker, Jackson White and Kyle Walker.

“Everyone played their roles really well, but I was very impressed with those three,” Pengilly said.

Despite the loss, Orange remains in division two in 2016 and although a substantial hunk of the team will be unavailable the coach said he’s confident Orange will push for the title again next year.

“Only six of the 15 we took away are available next year, but with their experience and the players coming through the younger age groups, I think they’ll give it a real crack next year,” he said.

Orange earned it’s place in yesterday’s final with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Goulburn in the semi-final after topping division two’s pool A.