Unlike last year’s stunning extra-time defeat, in which the Lions blew a 27-0 half-time lead, Sunday’s loss was far more convincing, although the Lions produced a valiant performance.

In chilly conditions, Bulldogs froze the Lions out. 

The hosts dominated the set-piece to shoot out to a 19-5 lead inside the first 20 minutes and although Orange City lifted after that, it wasn’t enough to feed Bulldogs a dose of comeback revenge. 

Ultimately, the Bathurst side won 37-17 to set up a minor semi-final clash with the Dubbo Kangaroos next weekend.

“When you come down here it’s [always] a tough game,” Lions skipper Logan Brockmann said, before putting his side’s season into perspective.

“Last year we were up 27-0 and the Bulldogs lifted. Bulldogs always lift in the second half but (this year) I thought we lifted considerably too.

“Considering a lot of people wrote us off for finals in the middle of the year to make it this far is quite an achievement.

"It's nice to get to here, it's a different kettle of fish in finals though. It's tougher footy. The hits are bigger and everyone plays harder.

"Normally who wants it more plays a big part in it. I thought we really wanted today, it's just the unfortunate lack of numbers and big men that we haven't had all year. I'm really proud of the way the boys have played this year though.”

Although Orange City actually outscored Bathurst in the second half the damage had already been done.

“That was a much better start than what we had 12 months ago, and I think that was playing on a few guys’ minds today,” Bulldogs co-coach Nathan Pearce said.

Before the rain set in, the clash started in frenetic fashion.

Bulldogs’ Brad Glasson opened the scoring with a converted try before the Orange City’s Ben Wilson brought the margin back to two.

Harry Webber’s barnstorming run helped set up Riley Hanrahan for the second Bulldogs try. Scott Johnston almost added another try moments later with a strong run of his own.

Josh Weekes took the score out to 22-5 thanks to his try and penalty before the 25th minute.

As the errors started to mount for both teams in the rainy weather the Bulldogs were happy to let Weekes attempt another penalty for a 25-5 half-time lead.

City hit back early in the second half with a Cam Logan try on the wing but it was quickly cancelled out by a solo Johnston effort through the middle of the park. 

The match was put beyond City’s reach with Peter Fitzsimmons’ try in the 66th minute. 

A penalty try would bring the Lions within 20 before the final whistle sounded.