New Brighton 17 Otley 22 OTLEY went confidently if not spectacularly into the fourth round of the Powergen Cup to secure a home game against Plymouth Albion on November 9.

This is just four weeks before the newly-promoted club pay their first league visit to Cross Green.

The prize for the winners is a home game in the fifth round against either Orrell or Norfolk side North Walsham.

The fifth round winner will then have a plum home tie against Northampton Saints.

On Saturday, mindful of their last game at New Brighton when a weakened team was tossed out of the cup some three years ago, there was slight apprehension when enforced changes meant that seven of the squad did not travel.

Ronnie Kelly and Paul Williams have each broken fingers and will be out for some time yet.

Various ailments sidelined Robert Whatmuff, Phil Greaves and both half-backs Andy Brown and Simon Binns.

There were more headaches for coach Peter Clegg when Ian Shuttleworth retired after only 16 minutes and both props sustained injuries.

Adam Pogson gave way at half-time and Peter Hall on 67 minutes with sprung ribs.

However, Otley still had enough bulk to see them through, having the benefit of Ian Carroll on the bench to make his season's debut after 53 minutes, and were always able to control the high flying Division Three side.

It was a rather silly try conceded in the 81st minute which gave New Brighton some respectability bringing them within one score but Otley comfortably played the remaining minutes in the opposition half.

Centre Paul Brett soon got a chance to put his side ahead when Otley were penalised for coming into the maul from the side and to their credit they were prepared to bring their sprightly backs into the game causing a few anxious moments.

However, they found it hard work in the forwards and their desperation showed when on 28 minutes prop Steve Bellis was yellow carded which only made matters worse.

During his absence Otley moved into the lead. The resultant penalty found touch in the home 22 where the expected drive rolled to the line. Nathan Bland got the score.

Just before the break Dan Clappison, operating at fly-half, combined skillfully with Mark Kirkby coming into the midfield to put Will Darby in the clear.

The winger went beautifully outside the full-back to score and Dan Clappison added the conversion.

Comfortably in the lead and with the wind behind them Otley felt secure and they went further ahead when Mark Billington chipped over a flat defence for Darby to run on to.

When the full-back fumbled he snapped up the ball to stroll over. New Brighton, still showing faith in their backs, managed a breakthrough on half-way and winger Dan Naylor eluded the defence to cross near the posts giving Brett a simple conversion.

Kirkby then showed his pace when he gathered a loose ball after a home move broke down and he raced on from half-way.

This was on 76 minutes and Otley should have played the game out in home territory but when on 81 minutes they were awarded a penalty near their line Chris Kendra, at full-back for Shuttleworth, opted for a tap but knocked on.

From the scrum New Brighton went for the line and after the ball was re-cycled No 6 Loa Tupou crashed over. Brett converted to create an anxious few more minutes of added time.

REPORT BY

JOHN FINCH