CONFIDENCE.

That’s the biggest factor Orange Hawks’ injured captain-coach Jason Gangaram is banking on his young two blues side taking from their breakthrough 38-32 win over Group 10 battlers Lithgow Workies on Sunday.

A topsy-turvy game virtually from the opening kick-off, Hawks could have easily slumped to their seventh straight loss of the season after the visiting Workies hit the lead immediately after half-time, but a series of impressive plays led to the hosts claiming a crucial six-point win at Wade Park.

Of the pivotal moments, none were more impressive than the deft sleight of hand shown from young half Brodie Christopherson to put flying winger Jordan Baker away down the left edge.

After sprinting 50 metres downfield, Baker, in turn, showed great composure to gift Jedd Kennedy the try and shoot Hawks out to a 38-28 lead. 

It was a play oozing confidence. And it wasn’t lost on Gangaram ahead of another winnable clash against the Cowra Magpies this Sunday.

“That’s it,” Gangaram enthused.

“The boys, in the sheds after the game, they were a lot more cheerful than they’ve been all season. It was great to see.

“They deserved to enjoy the win, but by the same token they knew what might have been ... we didn’t play very well, dropped a lot of ball, and they all realised that. For me, that’s the biggest positive, the boys know there’s still plenty of work to be done.”

The shining lights were there for all to see in the six-point victory.

None shone brighter than Christopherson, though.

The lightweight playmaker, fresh out of last year’s under-18 premiership winning side, laid on four tries for the two blues and kicked five goals in a nigh-on complete performance from the youngest halfback in the 2016 Group 10 competition.

Gangaram is confident of a rejuvenated outfit when they hit the training paddock this week.

“Even though Lithgow were last heading into that game, they made us work for the win ... we know Cowra is going to be the same,” he said.

“They’re all keen to train this week, and I’m excited to see what they can produce.

“It’s a big relief, no one wants to go through the season without a win and we’ve got that now. We’ve gained plenty out of that win.”