Knottingley 29, Otliensians 3

Otliensians lost this Yorkshire Three clash by three goals, a try and a penalty to a penalty at Knottingley.

In dry, sunny conditions, completely contrary to the mud and rain of the previous week, an open running game was expected. This was not to be.

With six changes to the previous week's line-up - two positional - it was not surprising that a certain lack of cohesion showed.

There was a lot of loose play in the opening 15 minutes with neither side settling down. It was Chaplin who opened the scoring with a well struck penalty only for this to be cancelled out two minutes later when Otliensians were caught off-side following a good tackle by newcomer Jon Fozard.

On the half hour a fine try saving tackle by Andy Haywood regrettably only postponed the score and Knottingley's Ledbetter went over close to the pots for an easy conversion.

Otliensians' forwards were getting their fair share of possession and following a sweeping back movement skipper Dave Roberts having driven over from five metres was unfortunate not to have a try awarded.

The score remained 10-3 to half-time. Within three minutes of the re-start the Knottingley open side flanker Sutcliffe increased the lead with a converted try.

Knottingley were being held well in the forwards but were looking more dangerous and great covering back by Brett Tenniswood saved a try.

Towards the middle of the half Otliensians had a good ten minute spell deep in Knottingley territory but could not break down a resolute defence. Close to the half hour second row Taylor went over for Knottingley's third try.

There followed a good attacking run by Brett Tenniswood but Otliensians failed to capitalise on this and shortly after a wayward pass following hard worked for possession gifted the ball to the advancing left winger who ran over half the length of the pitch to score.

There was some good touch kicking out of defence by Matt Tenniswood and Ian Chaplin throughout but the great preponderance of kicking by Otliensians reflected the pressure.

Forwards and backs worked hard but several missed tackles marred an otherwise strong defence.

Dave Roberts got his fair share of line-out ball as did Brett Tenniswood. The forwards did not give an inch in the tight against some big players.The mauls went to Knottingley on balance but Otliensians' work rate was high.

l On Saturday Otliensians visit Moortown for a delayed league fixture, kick-off 3pm.

Otliensians A 46, Knottingley A 14

Otliensians A included first XV back row man Dave Smith at fly-half as he was unable to travel. The pack set off with great determination and were the springboard for some early attacks which soon produced a Simon Coates penalty.

Pressure continued and the first try eventually came from centre Tony Collins who burst over after good work by Markus Keinhorst, Coates converting.

Whilst Otliensians continued to dominate the visitors looked very sharp and only good defence with Smith prominent kept them out.

However, with Alan Harker and Keinhorst dominating the line-out; Mark Copping, Chris Myers, Andrew Allman and Andy Rayner working hard in the loose and Roger Whitworth taking strikes against the head, they dominated possession, well used by Smith.

After 35 minutes they increased the lead when Smith scored and Coates converted to give Otliensians a 17-0 lead at the break.

Coates seized on a mistake near the line to score and convert. Knottingley hit back scoring two converted tries. There was a score from Mark Copping and then Keinhorst was rewarded for his hard work with two tries, Coates converting. Whitworth also scored to complete an excellent team display.