Long wait is at an end for Aire
10:03pm Thursday 24th April 2008
Old Otliensians 20, Aireborough 28
After 22 years of trying, Aireborough finally got their hands on the Skipton Properties Aire-Wharfe Cup tonight.
They deservedly won the final 28-20 after a bruising encounter at Old Otliensians, who couldn't quite add knockout glory to their promotion from Yorkshire Division Four.
However, the hosts started like a house on fire, lock Sam Duggan crossing in the opening five minutes, with centre Nick Keinhorst adding a conversion and, later, a penalty.
Nevertheless, Aire, who will face 'Ensians in the league next season, were 12-10 ahead by half-time thanks to tries from No 8 Nathan Smith, from a five-metre scrum, and full back James Druce, who converted his own score.
Two early Druce penalties in the second half made it 18-10, but Keinhorst responded before Aire winger Matt Osborne crossed in the 55th minute, Druce ably converting.
Simon Hills' try in injury time, converted by Keinhorst, made it 25-20 but Druce's penalty five minutes into stoppage time made things safe for Aire.
Aireborough hooker Nick Jackson was unconscious when carried off on a stretcher with concussion in the first half, Smith (Aireborough) and Keinhorst both being sin-binned just before half-time. Duggan was yellow-carded in the first half.
Skipper Craig Stanley received the cup for Aire from Skipton Properties' construction director Greg Marchbank, while over £500, plus the takings from tonight's match, were donated to the Paul Deeley Fund.