The under 14’s team, except for Zain Clark and Reece Matheson who were missing for the photo.
The Swamp Tigers knew they were in for a tough game on Sunday, as the Bathurst Giants controlled possession from the first bounce. Inaccurate kicking from Orange/ Forbes and strong pressure from the Giants in the first quarter enabled the Giants to dominate but Orange/Forbes were able to stay in touching distance at the first break, trailing by only 17 points.
Orange/Forbes made the same mistakes and Bathurst flexed their muscles and used their superior height to kick four goals to none to put the Swamp Tigers away and take an 8.12 (60) to 0.6 (6) victory.
Despite the loss there were several promising signs for Orange/Forbes with the midfield performing well and the two best players for Orange/Forbes being debutants Logan McMahon and Raphael Milsom.
The under 17’s featured the debut of Forbes’ Reece Matheson and it was a great day out for Reece and the rest of his teammate as Orange/Forbes took a first round win over a determined Giants 7.4 (46) to 4.5 (29).
The third quarter saw the Swamp Tigers take control keeping the Giants scoreless while kicking 2.1 and it was even better in the fourth quarter as Orange/Forbes kicked 3.2 to take a strong win 7.4 (46) to 4.5 (29).
Best on ground for Orange/Forbes was Harvey Shephard who kicked two goals and Reece Matheson was impressive in his debut game of AFL.
In the other games the under 12’s won 11.9 (75) to 4.4 (28) whilst in the Youth Girls Orange won 6.9 (45) to 2.6 (18).
Next week will see Orange/Forbes taking on the Bathurst Bushrangers over in Orange.
Thank you for all of your support this year, it has been amazing!