Otley 19, Moseley 19: SATURDAY was a rather disappointing day for Otley, albeit they were probably relieved in the end to come away with a draw. This was a game they should have won and indeed would have won if they had managed the basics better.

The line-out work, so much better in recent weeks, was most inept and ball retention was very poor. Added to that the defence in midfield was, at best, fragile for it was from there that all the opposition tries materialised.

Having said that there was much to admire on a sticky pitch which had reacted well to groundsman Peter Longstaffe's efforts to combat all the rain it has had over the past weeks.

Andy Brown was in his element at the base of the scrum whilst his partner Simon Binns was calmness itself. He always appears to have plenty of time to develop the game whichever way he chooses.

The fly-half gave Otley the lead with a penalty, just reward for early pressure, then when it was their turn to defend there were no problems. On one occasion they forced Moseley back 25 metres even though the visitors never relinquished the ball.

A break by Paul Williams, playing at No 6, set the backs in motion but a poor final pass with the line open was an unenforced error so it was rough justice when they lost a line-out and saw centre Rod Martin pierce the defence and put winger Carl Colvin in at the corner.

Struggling with a thigh injury Ian Shuttleworth was replaced by Simon Smith who made an immediate impression by joining the line to score wide out from a move which started when the visitors fumbled the re-start and Binns whipped the ball wide.

The remainder of the scoring took place in the first 18 minutes after the break. Binns extended the lead with another penalty but a late tackle on half-way allowed Moseley to kick for the corner and finding their drive held they moved the ball. Martin discovered a gap to go in under the posts. Fly-half Greg MacDonald converted but Binns re-took the lead with his third penalty only to see that man Martin again in the picture.

He broke away on half-way to be halted only five metres out. Otley gained a scrum but Andy Brown's clearing kick was run back and No 13 Paul Dineen sliced through. MacDonald again converted.

It was now time for James Tiffany to make an instant impact. He came on for Peter Curtis to secure a clearing kick and charge through the defence only halted on the line where he was able to flip a pass to Brown and he put Will Darby over to level the score. Binns' conversion went wide.

The fly-half struck the upright with a 43 metre penalty attempt but it was stalemate for the next 20 minutes until Moseley were given a penalty for holding just inside their half.

When Phil Griffin questioned the decision the kick went ten metres nearer but fortunately for Otley MacDonald had just been replaced and Hinton's effort dropped below the crossbar.

l On Saturday Otley are at Worcester.