The ‘Roos had hoped to continue the run of form which netted them sitting second on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder going into round eight and were looking strong in the first half as the scores were tied up at 5-5.

But the Lions extended their lead just before half-time and clinched the victory in the dying stages to secure their fifth win of the season.

Coach Steve Hamson labelled the performance “outstanding” particularly from flankers John Colgan and Logan Brockmann who were playing out of position in the front row.

“It was a massive step up from the performances we’ve been putting in,” Hamson said.

“That’s probably the first time our scrum hasn’t been on skates all year. 

“Other than that it wasn’t a day for being flashy and throwing the ball around, we showed more patience than we’ve shown in recent times so that was good too.”

Roos prop Benn Wright lamented his side’s missed opportunities.

“We didn’t stick to the game plan. If we had I think we would have been in the contest a lot more,” he said.

“In wet conditions you’ve got to hang onto the ball, you’ve got to cherish it and we didn’t. We gave it away too often and against a good side like them they’re gong to run you around.

“They’re a fit team and they’ll run you around the park and if you give them that much ball, you can’t defend all day.”

Orange City were the first to get on the board with Alifeleti Wolfgram opening the visitors’ account in the 20th minute.

The Lions were awarded a scrum feed 10 metres out from the line after charging down a James Mata kick, with Wolfgram picking up the ball and angling hard at the line to open City’s account.

It took about 10 minutes of persistent ‘Roos offence, including three consecutive scrum feeds inside the forward 22, before the ‘Roos fired back through the powerful running of John Korff.

Neither Barton Young or Mata were able to add the extras, with Mata’s conversion attempt hitting the upright and Young’s swinging wide.

The visitors looked sure to cross again nine minutes later, courtesy of a blistering run down the side from Taylor Smith, a brilliant chip to the inside and a one-on-one kick and chase, but the ball was fumbled in the in-gaol.

Orange City maintained their attacking pressure and a Young penalty kick swung wide before Joe Lasagavibau busted through the ‘Roos line.

Young added the extras to give the Lions a 12-5 lead to take into the break.

The second half was scrappy with neither side able to capitalise on their scoring chances, which were few and far between.

The visitors were a man down after Colgan was yellow carded for repeated infringements, but managed to keep the ‘Roos out and Wolfgram crossed for his second with just eight minutes remaining to seal the Lions win.

Wright said the ‘Roos needed to improve their communication and structure.

“We were very quiet in defence in the first half and let them get a roll on and their kicking options kept us out of it,” he said. 

“We took options that were too short and they basically played better field position.”

ORANGE CITY LIONS 17 (Alifeleti Wolfgramm 2, Joe Lasagavibau tries; Barton Young conv) def DUBBO KANGAROOS 5 (John Korff try)