Wath upon Dearne 25

Old Otliensians 10

OLD Otliensians travelled to Wath for the resumption of league rugby and were keen to continue where they left off before Christmas against Doncaster Phoenix.

Unfortunately three late cry-offs left the team somewhat weakened but nevertheless the squad travelled to South Yorkshire with much op-timism and enthusiasm.

The game started well for the Otley side, playing with the strong wind, plenty of possession and territorial advantage also ensued. Otliensians were pressing hard and putting the home team under enormous pressure.

It was clear the Wath side were up for a real battle and their defence was unbreechable until excellent work by the Otliensians' pack saw the ball re-cycled time and time again before it was spun out to the backs for Dave Smith and Matthew Tenniswood to cut through the Wath defence. The ball quickly found its way out to left wing Michael Philpott who cut inside the cover skillfully to score a cracking try.

The two evenly matched sides were testing each other at every opportunity and it wasn't long before the home side worked their way into the Otliensians' 22. They needed a score and were determined not to come away without points. Their strong running centre did the damage beating his opponents in the tackle, allowing him the room to spring over for a try between the posts, putting the home side into the lead with the resulting conversion.

Shortly afterwards Wath struck another blow, landing a good penalty kick to give them a 10-5 half-time lead and it was clear the Chaffers Field side had their work cut out against this fast improving Wath upon Dearne team.

This certainly proved to be the case in the second-half when Wath scored two further tries, both hotly disputed by the vastly experienced and honest Brett Tenniswood, who was in the centre of both pieces of controversy.

Firstly, a clever kick for the corner by the Wath centre saw a good race between the Wath No 11 and Tenniswood.

It was neck and neck to the line in the chase for the ball. It looked clearly like a touchdown for the defender but the referee from some distance away, awarded the home side the try. Even the home supporters were surprised but at the same time delighted.

Some ten minutes later Tenniswood was once again left astounded by the official's decision when, from driving maul, the Wath pack hooked the ball and got over the visitors' line but before the Wath flanker could ground the ball, Tennis-wood ripped it from him. Once again up went the referee's arm and seven points for the home side was the outcome.

A cruel blow to Otliensians, who certainly did not deserve to find themselves 17 points adrift. Perhaps rugby should take a leaf out of the cricketers' book and the players' honesty be called upon when the referee is not in a position to make a fair decision.

But sport, like life, can be cruel and character is needed to be shown and so it was. Keinhorst making some nice half breaks; Richard Smith putting in some great driving runs; Richard Crossley stealing the ball from the Wath players on numerous occasions and Richard Hearns filling Tony Myers' boots, when injured, with much aplomb and, of course, the irrepressible Robert Arbuckle, who once again could not be kept off the scoresheet.

He finished a superb Otliensians' move by forcing his way over from close quarters to bring respectability and much confidence back to Otliensians.

Wath on Dearne 43

Old Otliensians A 7

With the first XV making unavoidable late calls on the second XV, Otliensians set off to Wath with a side full of forwards. This was not helped by the late arrival of players following a car breakdown.

Many players played out of position; for example the half-back slots were occupied at various times by a hooker, prop, back row and second row players. All good experience!

In the first-half Otliensians struggled for line-out possession but competed well enough in the loose. The referee had an odd interpretation of 'wheeled scrummages' and also allowed two disputed tries early in the game.

Otliensians' cause was not helped when Ben Newall left the field with a wrist injury and at half-time Wath led 28-0.

Inevitably Otliensians improved in the second-half although reduced to 14 players. Phil Cooke, playing at No 8 made all the running before off-loading for a loaned Wath player to score. Roy Appleyard converted from the touchline, an excellent kick considering the very windy conditions.

However, the stronger Wath side scored three more tries and gained revenge for their 26-7 defeat at Chaffer's field in early November.

On Saturday, hopefully, normality will return after the Christmas break and the second team are due to play Aireborough at Chaffer's Field. A fixture is being sought for the first XV.