ORANGE City booked a place in the Blowes Clothing Cup second grade grand final on the back of a blistering opening 15 minutes in Saturday’s major semi-final.

The Lions put on 12 points at Pride Park in the opening 15 minutes and were still up 12-0 at half-time against minor premiers Bathurst Bulldogs.

The visitors were outstanding in the second half as they built momentum but came up short 12-7 when the final whistle blew.

After the win, Lions captain-coach Anthony Kent was talking about ways his team could improve.

“We had a good first half but our ball security on the ends, we dropped it out wide so we’ve got to work on that. We probably should have scored some more tries in the first half,” Kent said.

“All round we didn’t go too bad.”

The captain-coach conceded the Bulldogs provided a serious challenge and praised their second half.

“They were tough. They were very good in the second half,” Kent said of the Bulldogs.

“They turned us around a bit and our counters weren’t as good as they should have been.”

For Bulldogs captain Andy Gray, things weren’t right for his team from their arrival in Orange when he said they went into the change rooms too early.

“They got 12 points in the first 15 minutes. Our scrum went backwards. We didn’t start with enough intensity,” Gray explained.

“We worked our way back into the game. First-up tackles were disappointing but we turned over a lot of their ball. 

“When we had the ball we looked good. Another 10 minutes I reckon we would have beaten them, to be honest. I think we’re fitter and our scrum got better as the game went on and our fitness came through.”

The Lions made the most of their opportunities in the opening 15 minutes with tries to Mo Amone and Joey Thorley along with a conversion from Joe Alexander.

The two sides traded blows for the remainder of the half but neither to break through.

The Bulldogs were the better side in the second period and were able to finally get on the scoreboard thanks to a try to Andrew Donaldson and conversion from Kurt Weekes.

Despite the Bulldogs’ coming home, City were able to hold strong in defence and take the tight win.

Gray was happy with his side’s performance despite the loss.

“We were good, we were disciplined, we didn’t give away many penalties, it’s just football. Slow start and the slow start killed us,” he said.

“When the colts came on they really lifted us. Dylan Carter came on in the front row and really lifted us. Josh Oxley and Josh Hardy really made an impact off the bench.”

The Lions will have next weekend off as they head towards the grand final on September 19.

“That’s good, I need it with my old bones,” Kent laughed.

“Another grand final is great. This is our fifth year in a row (in the grand finals).”

ORANGE CITY LIONS 12 (Mo Amone, Joey Thorley tries; Joe Alexander conv) def BATHURST BULLDOGS 7 (Andrew Donaldson try; Kurt Weekes conv).