THEIR first grade counterparts had an indifferent year - but the Orange City Lions’ juniors have roared their way to the 2008 Central West Junior Rugby Club Championship.

Remarkably, the Lions’ feat ensures the crown leaves the powerful Dubbo clubs - who often field up to three teams in each division - for the first time in its history.

Points are awarded throughout the course of the season in the under 13s, 15s and 17s competitions, with Orange City finishing a slender two points ahead of Dubbo Kangaroos to claim the title.

City’s under 13s have been the leading light for the club in 2008 as one of only two teams in the Central West to progress through the season undefeated.

The side boasts the best for and against record (628-52) of any club in either the junior or senior competitions in Central West rugby.

The Lions’ under 15s finished equal second (third on percentages), while the club’s under 17s were unlucky to miss out on the top four after being relegated to fifth on percentages.

Under 13s coach Fletcher Niven, who is also the vice-president of the Orange City Juniors, paid tribute to all three teams.

“It really was a combined effort right from the 17s through to the 13s,” he said.

“If we’d lost just one more game in any division throughout the year we wouldn’t have won it. It’s the first time a Dubbo club hasn’t won it, so it’s a great achievement.”

But there is no doubt the club’s under 13s are the Lions’ standout team.

“They’ve got gifted backs and good forwards. They just keep winning the ball and their defence is very good,” the proud coach said.

The under 13s and under 15s begin their semi-final campaigns at Pride Park this Saturday.

The under 13s will face Wellington at 10.35, while the under 15s will play Forbes in an elimination final at 11.40, with all rugby fans encouraged to show their support to the young Lions.