In a final round where points flowed elsewhere, the tough nature of the Orange derby could be a benefit for both Orange Emus and Orange City ahead of Blowes Cup rugby union semi-finals next weekend.

Orange City took a big step forward when they defeated Emus 27-19 at Endeavour Oval on Saturday (August 10).

It is the first time the Lions have won a local derby this season in three attempts.

Forbes’ 43-31 win against last-placed Dubbo at Dubbo ensured the Platypi held onto third place and they will host the Lions in the elimination semi-final.

Interestingly, the third versus fourth sudden-death fixture pits the only two sides to have defeated minor premiers Bathurst Bulldogs.

Orange Emus will hope to join the list of sides that have toppled Bathurst in the qualifying semi-final. The winner of that clash will host the 2024 Blowes Cup grand final on Saturday, August 31.

Bathurst already had top spot locked up before it defeated Cowra (fifth) 85-26 in a points fest at Bathurst last Saturday.

In the Orange women’s derby, Emus won the critical clash 12-3. That result propelled Emus into the finals and meant City missed out on a play-offs berth.

Emus will be represented across all five senior grades in finals while City has first grade, third grade and colts in the play-offs.

Final Blowes Cup tables. First grade: Bathurst (69), Orange Emus (48), Forbes (46), Orange City (43); Cowra (27), Dubbo (18).

Second grade: Bathurst (60), Dubbo (52), Orange Emus (47), Cowra (28); Forbes (26), Orange City (14).

Third grade: Dubbo (66), Orange Emus (58), Bathurst (47), Orange City (38).

Colts: Bathurst (73), Orange City (49), Dubbo (43, +19), Orange Emus (43, +1); Forbes (39), Parkes (35), Mudgee (28)

Women: Dubbo (72), Bathurst (56), Orange Emus (32), Forbes (29); Orange City (27), Cowra (one).