A MATT Findlay-inspired Orange Emus are one win away from qualifying for the Central West Rugby Union second grade grand final after downing Bathurst Bulldogs 30-22 on Sunday at Endeavour Oval.

Conjuring up the sort of play any five-eighth would have been proud of, Findlay helped lay on two of his side’s four tries, while falling agonising short of scoring one for himself, in the minor semi-final man-of-the-match performance from the loose-head prop.

Storming from fourth on this year’s ladder, Emus coach and former CSU first XV talent Mitch Dansey was thrilled his side is still in the hunt for a second grade title.

“That was a really good performance from the ’Dogs, and very spirited from our boys,” Dansey said.

“The boys, we’re carrying a few niggling injuries, but hopefully we can come through this week and work towards next week. 

“Dubbo are going to be tougher again. There’s no easy games left.”

Throughout the first half, Emus threatened to skip away from the Bulldogs on the scoreboard, but twice the visitors clung on to remain in touch at 10-8 and then later lead at 15-13.

But tries to Scott Udy and Chris Bailey gifted Emus the advantage before a late Keith Howarth try on full-time put the icing on the minor semi-final victory.

Bulldogs coach Rob Danelon said the physical pressure from both teams was unrelenting.

Unfortunately for him, it was the Bulldogs who cracked first.

“But I’m proud of the effort of my guys throughout the year,” he said.

ORANGE EMUS 30 (Keith Howarth, William Colless, Scott Udy tries; Dave Faul, Sam Ryan conversion; Dave Faul 2 penalty goals) defeated BATHURST BULLDOGS 22 (Josh Booth, Ben McNiven, Tim Collins tries; Ben Sheppard 2 conversions; Ben Sheppard penalty goal)