Orange is hosting Bathurst High in play-off for second and third after Dubbo won the Astley Cup last week.

Orange secured a 114-point (257-143) lead after yesterday’s four sports but Middleton said the host team couldn’t be complacent in today’s events.

“It’s a good start but we have to keep in mind that Bathurst will be strong in the four sports (today),” Middleton said.

“We’ve got to try and keep close if we can’t win.”

In yesterday’s sports Bathurst had a strong start winning the tennis 12-4 to claim 75-25 Astley Cup points.

From there the hosts couldn’t be beaten as they won the netball, basketball and hockey.

Orange dominated the netball from the start intercepting Bathurst’s first pass to go on and win 75-20 (79-21 Cup points).

Middleton said the home side used its experience to dominate all three areas of the court.

Experience again proved the difference in the boys’ basketball as Orange won 89-53 (63-37 Cup points).

“The boys rebounded well and our shots were on. Liam Patterson played well but the whole team stepped up,” Middleton said.

Orange trounced Bathurst 8-0 (90-10 Cup points) in the girls’ hockey with the senior players doing the damage.

Year 12 students Jade Williams (3), Tegan Farrell (2) and Maddy Carrigan (1) all scored for Orange and junior Stephanie Wilson netted a single.

Bathurst will be favoured to secure a few wins today but Middleton said Orange shouldn’t be underestimated on their home fields.

Today’s sports will all be played at Orange High starting with athletics (9.15am), rugby league (midday), girls’ soccer (1.15pm) and boys’ soccer (2.30pm).

Despite the scoreline at the end of day one, Bathurst High sports co-ordinator Darren Hamilton had not given up hope.

“We have our stronger events tomorrow and hopefully we can get off to a good start in athletics and maybe claw 30 or so points back,” he said.

“We have the rugby league after that and the girl’s and boy’s football – some nil scorelines in those might give us a chance to come back.”