Bathurst goes down in Mitchell Cricket Council under 12s and 14s finals to Orange

Orange seized the window of opportunity to take titles with two teams boasting a majority of top-age players, winning the under 12s clash at Riawena Oval by 102 runs and the 14s game at Wade Park by 120 runs.

Those scores suggest Bathurst were never in the respective contests but both sides, the under 12s in particular, had enjoyed promising phases of play.

Bathurst had Orange at 5-30 at one stage thanks to exceptional bowling performances from Gaby Bennett (3-39), Cooper Stephen (2-16) and Blayde Burke (2-28).

But a lower order resurgence, led by Robert Heath's 55, took Orange to 9-164.

Bathurst's chase never gained steam, as all six Orange bowlers came away with at least one wicket in a big team performance to have the visitors all out for 62.

Orange's Toby Middleton (3-4 from four overs) was almost unplayable.

Jayden Brasier (20) was Bathurst's only double-digit scorer.

"They were up for the contest and the underdog tag was good. We had nothing to lose. Our bowlers put it exactly where we had been practicing," Bathurst coach Matt Stephen said.

"They took some brilliant catches in slip and gully plus an awesome run out. Things like that change games. We put ourselves in a position to win the final but unfortunately, as we've seen before, our batting didn't stand up.

"Orange bat deep ... and we haven't at all and we've relied heavily on the top order. But we have the bowling strike power. The whole team can bowl and it's awesome to watch."

Meanwhile the Bathurst 14s found themselves on the back foot early when Orange's James Harper (59) and Will Rodwell (54) put on 112 for the opening wicket.

And the breakup of that partnership did little to stop the hosts who would go on to record 4-257 from their 50 overs.

Bathurst's Hugh Taylor (40) tried his best to get his side off to a good start in an intimidating chase but the Orange attack wasn't offering up many chances to score.

Rupert Begg (27 not out) batted well but was left stranded with no more partners as Bathurst were all out for 137.

"Orange were just too good on the day," Bathurst coach Chris Warry said.

"We had good contributions with the ball from Seth Norris, who bowled 10 overs with 0-25, so he's was very economical. Will Lamb bowled really well off his nine overs with 1-39. Hugh Taylor was 1-36 and Mark Sheather was 1-35.

"The boys will learn from it. The good balls dismissed our two captains one after the other and that hurt us a lot as well. Liam Cain got 10 and Jacob Lamb came in straight after him and was gone first ball.

"All credit goes to Orange. They also took all their catches and we dropped a few. They played really well."