The Lithgow Bears rugby league side came close to a New Era upset on Saturday when they played CSU in freezing conditions at Orange.
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From start to finish it was the game to watch on the weekend with CSU being on top of the table and Bears sitting in fourth position.
Sleet poured into players' faces and in the rough conditions, CSU were the first to open the game with a try out wide but an unsuccessful conversion.
The determined Bears hit back with a try and a successful conversion.
The Bears were the stronger team being dominant in the first half. Second half saw them in again, and it was a bit back and forth with CSU getting the final try.
With both teams determined to get the win it was CSU who went back to the sheds with a 22-18 win.
If the Bears won it would have created the biggest upset in the New Era rugby league competition.
The commitment of the Bears players this year has been extraordinary.
This weekend will be the last round prior to semi finals, CSU remains on top of the ladder and Orange have plummeted towards the bottom due to unregistered players.
It all comes down to this weekend's match where the Bears will take on local rivals Portland Colts and CSU will verse Orange.
Depending on the scenario, if the Bears win against Portland and Orange lose, the Bears could move into second place. If Portland win they could head into second.
League tag
In league tag the Bears ladies played a freezing Thursday night match at home against CSU Blue.
The Bears were the first to score with speedster Jessie Lutschini getting over the try line, followed by a successful conversion by Alanna Tomazin.
Jasmine Spittles also scored a Bears try and a conversion was made by Kaitlyn McLaughlin.
CSU showed their dominance and went home with the 28-12 victory.
The Dominos best and fairest went to Alanna Tomazin with players player awarded to Paige Gallagher who also received two points from the crowd.
Latia Hardie got one point and Monique Millmore scored a point from the referee.
The girls turned around to play again on Saturday in Orange against CSU Yellow.
The yellow side were too strong for the Bears and took the game. Players player went to Sarah Millmore.
The Bears would like to welcome all Bears supporters and sponsors out to Portland this weekend [July 20] for the Bears head to head clash with the Colts.
League tag will be played at 1.30pm followed by rugby league at 2.30pm.
