ORANGE Tigers now have a big chance to host the Central West AFL major semi-final after main rivals Cowra were stripped of eight competition points for playing a suspended player in two games earlier this season.

Brendan Reid played for the Cowra Blues in their two victories in rounds five and six against Bathurst and Orange, before he had served a two-match suspension.

The CWAFL clubs voted 4-2 in favour of deducting the points Cowra gained from the two wins in a decision that sees the Blues surrender top spot to the Tigers.

Cowra were prevented from voting on the issue.

Orange now hold a four-point advantage over the Blues in first with three rounds remaining, so they are in the best position to earn hosting rights for the August 30 major semi-final.

And while gaining a big advantage, should the Tigers hold on to top spot and play

the major semi-final at Bloomfield, Orange coach Craig Donaldson would have preferred to see his team claim first based solely on their on-field performances.

“It’s probably not the way to go about it but considering how well we started the year I really believe we deserve a home final,” Donaldson said.

“But I’d prefer to do it the good, old-fashioned way.”

Donaldson now wants to see his side recover from their upset loss to last-placed Young last Saturday and show they are worthy of hosting the grand final qualifier.

There are three rounds remaining but Orange and Cowra have been prevented from playing their round 14 match after the controversy surrounding their round nine clash, which was called off by umpires in the third quarter.

The Tigers now have just two games against Dubbo and Parkes to atone for their loss to the Saints.

“I’m still trying to get over the loss against Young ... I thought that really dampened our chances of getting a home final,” Donaldson said.

“The biggest thing now we’re on top is we have to prove we deserve to have a home final.

“If they’re not going to let us play round 14 we have to win the last two games.”

Both Orange and Cowra were stripped of four competition points by the CWAFL for bringing the league into disrepute following their called-off match at Bloomfield on July 12.

They were also placed on a $1000 good behaviour bonds until the end of next season and prevented from playing their round 14 match at Cowra’s Mulyan Oval - but both clubs have appealed the penalties to the NSW/ACT AFL.

Northern NSW club development officer Chris Mintern advised yesterday afternoon he expected a decision on the appeals to be made later this week.