Orange netball’s strength and depth were on full display at the West Central West Regional League Final, with teams travelling to Orange from Bathurst, Blayney, Dubbo, Forbes, Mudgee, and Parkes competing across two divisions across the last weekend of March.

Orange fielded two strong Division 1 sides, with Orange 1 (Opens) and Orange 2 (17s) both facing quality opposition from Dubbo and Bathurst through Saturday’s rounds before progressing into Sunday’s finals series.

The Opens side, featuring some of Orange’s most experienced players, demonstrated balance and composure across the court. With a formidable defensive unit led by Caitie Harvey and Kate Mastronardi, and a shooting circle combining the accuracy and presence of Lucy Wilson and Adeline Hollingworth, they secured top position despite an early round loss to Dubbo 1. They later avenged that defeat with a convincing 19–12 win in the semi-final to progress directly to the Grand Final.

Orange 2’s path was considerably tougher. After three losses in the rounds — including two to Orange 1 — the 17s regrouped to defeat Dubbo 1 when it mattered most. Their Preliminary Final was a tightly contested and physical encounter, eventually securing an 18–16 victory after withstanding a strong Dubbo comeback.

The Grand Final delivered a compelling contest between the two Orange sides. The Opens made the early running, but the younger team showed maturity beyond their years, levelling the scores at 10-all by halftime.

While Orange 1 showed moments of fluency and strength through the mid-court, inconsistencies and limited preparation time impacted their cohesion. In contrast, Orange 2 continued to build, maintaining composure and executing clean passages of play into a well-settled shooting circle.

The 17s ultimately prevailed 21–18 in a high-quality contest, their energy and connection proving decisive in the closing stages.

Coach Peiti Haines praised her side’s growth across the weekend, highlighting their ability to develop combinations under pressure. Centre Sara Rush also noted the increasing confidence and cohesion within the group, particularly given that it was their first major outing together.

Despite the result, Opens defender Caitie Harvey acknowledged the quality of the contest and credited the 17s as the better team on the day, noting the experience would provide her side valuable preparation ahead of the State Titles in June.

Stand-in Open’s coach Mikayla Wishart echoed the sentiment, emphasising the positive signs for both teams and the broader strength of netball in Orange.

Individual performances were a feature across both teams. Lucy Wilson’s strength and accuracy in the shooting circle stood out for the Opens, well supported by Millicent Hollingworth, while the defensive combination of Harvey, Mastronardi, and Adeline Hollingworth consistently applied pressure and transitioned the play into attack.

For the 17s, the composure of Charlotte Spruce, Mia Collins and Abi Roberts under pressure was critical, while Sara Rush’s direction through centre and Macy Garlick’s drive at wing attack ensured attacking momentum. Defensively, Emma Tremble and Meakah Chippendale provided strong presence and mobility.

A notable moment off the ball was the return of Georgia Cornish, balancing new motherhood with a full weekend back on court—an impressive effort!

Importantly, the weekend was marked by strong sportsmanship and respect across all teams, reflecting positively on players, coaches and the region as a whole.

The all-Orange Grand Final served as a clear indication of the Association’s depth, with both current strength and future potential on full display.