AFL Central West: Backline in form as Bathurst Bushrangers crush Orange Tigers

Bushrangers led at every quarter, but its first quarter lead was just nine points, however, the team gradually built on its lead throughout the game before winning 15-21-111 to 3-8-26.

While it was a big win in the end for the Bushrangers, co-coach Tim Hunter believes the scoreline didn't reflect the true nature of how tough the game was.

"The score in the end probably didn't reflect how tough the game was," he said.

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"It was a pretty tough, hard physical game. We probably scored a few late, which blew it out a bit. It was a really, really good game.

"I think Orange is going to be a tough side to play all year."

Hunter acknowledged the standout performances from defenders Alex Davey and Trent Grantham.

"Alex Davies at fullback had a pretty phenomenal game. He was playing on a quality Orange player throughout the game, doing a really good job for us," he said.

"Trent Grant Grantham, in the ruck for the first time in first grade, was really good as well. Our own backline was just awesome."

With a 85-point win, there's not necessarily too much to improve on, however, Hunter cited scrappy play and decision making as two things his team can improve on in the coming week.

"We had times when we were a little bit scrappy and some of our decision making wasn't spot on," he said.

"We just put that down to round one and that's something we'll work on in training this week. All in all, we were pretty happy with things."

The result propels Bushrangers to first place on the AFL Central West ladder after one round, ahead of city rivals Bathurst Giants on percentage.

There was mixed success for Bushrangers' two tier two teams Outlaws and Rebels on Saturday.

Bushrangers Outlaws got up against Orange Tigers 11-10-76 to 2-10-22 at home, while Bushrangers Rebels struggled away from home, failing to score a goal in a 9-19-73 to 0-1-1 loss to Parkes Panthers.

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