Orange defeated Dubbo 38-32 at a rocking Sportsworld but Dubbo’s players were almost more pleased than the winners at full-time.

Orange, the western area champions, were after a big win in order to keep their Astley Cup dream of victory alive but a split of 55-45 wasn’t enough in the tie’s penultimate event.

“I’m happy about the win and we knew it was going to be difficult with Dubbo having the home ground advantage, that does make a big difference,” Orange coach Tegan Dray said.

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I’d always want it to be a bit better and I know the girls wanted that too.”

Dubbo coach Rebecca May couldn’t have been more pleased with her side.

“When we came up against Orange in CHS (competition) they had beaten us by about nearly 20 so for our team to play so strong and the difference to be just six, I was really pleased,” she said.

A 6-1 run to start the fourth quarter was key for Orange after Dubbo had got back to all square during the third term.

Before that, Orange had controlled proceedings and led after the first quarter and at half-time.

But some string defence and accurate shooting from Dubbo saw it get right back into the match, but the hosts couldn’t find a way to get in front.

Orange led by four at the start of the fourth and while Dubbo’s home crowd was in full cry, the Orange faithful lifted and some sharp-shooting saw the hosts move out to an unassailable 36-27 win.

May said Dubbo’s ability to fight for the ball in midcourt helped in stay within range for most of the game.

“Of particular note was our centre, Tori Reynolds. She did a lot of hard work and driving and went for a lot of loose balls but all the girls worked as a team, even in those moments of panic,” she said.

Reynolds and Natasha Janetzki were among Dubbo’s best while Milike Tuinakauvadra was immense in defence for Orange High and Milly Wilcox shot extremely well.