Old Otliensians 40 , Skipton A 0

In the friendly against Skipton A, Otliensians were able to call upon a stronger side than first anticipated. Playing into a gale force wind, they soon established their intentions to play enthusiastically despite the conditions.

Excellent pressure saw Otliensians move up field with a series of sweeping moves and almost all the side handled before centre John Fozzard ran elusively from 20 metres to score half way out after three minutes. Mattie Tenniswood converted.

The pack were out scrummaging the visitors and Brett Tenniswood and Dave Roberts were winning good line-out ball. Peter Bonner and Rob Arbuckle were surging forward in the loose play but all too often support was not forthcoming.

The backs were handling remarkably well given the conditions and Jonathan Woods, Mattie Tenniswood and Adie Fawell all carried the ball deep into Skipton territory but Skipton defended well and Otliensians could not force another score.

In the last ten minutes of the half Skipton hit back and their outstanding No 8 began to set up good ball over the gain line. Rob Wilks and Richard Crossley put in some fine tackles and Otliensians finished the half on the attack and with a 7-0 lead.

Unbelievably the wind gradually strengthened after the break. Richard Paley came on for Ben Newall at hooker and the home side were quick to attack.

However, failure of players to straighten their running line and off-load earlier, cost some opportunities as did the wind taking the ball away from the players in handling movements.

Mattie Tenniswood was soon on the scoresheet with a well-taken try and Bonner was held up near the line but soon returned to drive over and score for Mattie Tenniswood to again convert.

The latter player also finished a mazey run by scrum half Peter Gillson to score his second try which he also converted. After the re-start Arbuckle set off on a powerful run and super handling followed enabling Fozzard to score wide out which Mattie Tenniswood again converted.

The purple patch continued with Brett Tenniswood taking the ball directly from the kick-off to set up a chip and chase for Jonathan Woods to score, Mattie Tenniswood again converting.

In the last 15 minutes, the home side eased off and Skipton, undaunted, drove back up the field on several occasions to threaten the home side's line. The defence held firm and both teams are to be congratulated for some good rugby in very difficult conditions.

Bradford Salem A 56

Otliensians A 0

The seconds travelled to Bradford with only 11 players but by prior arrangement the home side loaned three players.

Salem had a young, speedy side supplemented by a few first teamers and soon took advantage of the extra man, scoring several times from broken play.

Otliensians had a good period of pressure in the second-half with some strong runs from Paul Deeley and Roy Appleyard, the latter being held up over the line following good forward play.

The visitors held their own in the set pieces but often the ball was not well controlled. Again this match was badly affected by the weather and both sides deserve credit for attempting to play rugby in these conditions.

l On Saturday, Otliensians entertain Bradford Salem firsts at Chaffers Fields, kick-off 3 pm.