HOW does an 18-year run of victories in State League Netball come to an end for the all conquering Orange team, especially when they are on their home court?

The answer, according to Bathurst coach Catherine Welch, comes from left-field as she prepares her side for the first round of 2014 State League this Sunday.

“Being realistic about it, they are the State champions and I don’t think anyone can beat them unless they lay down on the court and die. And I can’t see that happening,” Welch said only half-jokingly.

“They are just such a strong side and so used to winning, and for anyone to knock them off I think it would be a major surprise.”

It might sound like a defeatist attitude, but when you’re addressing a team as powerful as Orange 1 has been, there needs to be a sense of realism.

Last year Bathurst made the decider and briefly looked capable of causing a boilover as they went to half-time just two goals down before Orange found their groove and ran away with the match.

If anything, they are a stronger side in 2014 and as Welch mentioned, they were crowned NSW champions after the state titles in Campbelltown in June.

With a young team under her care, Welch says that another grand final appearance would be a great result.

“The preparation has been fairly minimal, we’ve had two sessions so far and another two this week and it has been a bit rushed. Tegan Kastelein was going to coach initially but had to pull out with other commitments,” she explained.

“We have a young line-up, I think the likes of Meredith Jones and Emily Orman in the middle together will be important for us. They’re both very fast and athletic and have plenty of A grade experience.

“Sam Thompson is a player who was in the under 17s side I coached last year and brings a lot of height in defence as well as skill. I think she’s going to be a key for us too.

“Orange 1 and Orange 2, as well as Dubbo, were all there last year in division one, this year we have Lithgow who didn’t have a side at all, as well as Forbes and Mudgee who were both division two entries in 2013.

“I think top four is the initial goal, but second spot and an appearance in the grand final would be the main aim.”

The format will be a testing one physically for the players, who play matches of 15 minute halves and get only a five minute changeover between games at times.

Bathurst start with the toughest assignment of all as they face Orange 1 in the opening match, with Dubbo to follow.

Round two will be staged on August 17.

With a different tiered system in place this year, the division two competition of past years has now become an under 17s championship, and Welch will have her hands full with that as well.

“I coached the 17s at the State Titles and was always going to look after them in this competition, too. It is going to be a busy day,” she said.

“The under 17s girls all know how to warm up and get ready for a game though, and I’ve had some help from Kate McLaren. On the flipside, the opens girls aren’t babies either and can take care of themselves.

“I’ll be flat-stick on the sideline for most of the day though, that’s for sure.”

BATHURST: Nikki McWhirter, Meredith Jones, Monique Lewis, Emily Orman, Maddy McAlister, Samantha Thompson, Natasha Howland, Madeline Brown, Isabelle Houston, Lisa Hughes