Otley 11

Coventry 22

THE end result on Saturday bore no relation to the effort put in by Otley.

They had territorial advantage throughout but were unable to seal their advantage which was disappointing because they are the sixth highest scorers in the league, albeit lying seventh in points conceded, just one point more than Bedford.

The openings were created though just as quickly shut down but once again they, plus the referee, were given a lesson in how to kill the ball when your line is in danger.

The architect was the vastly experienced Zinzan Brooke, who was a star at pulling down Otley's drives, of which there were many, and that is the reason why a 20 minute assault on the Coventry line remained fruitless.

The No 8 was also the benefactor of a lapse by the touch-judge when he broke down the blind-side of a maul and, on his own admission, having stepped into touch meandering towards the line, expecting to be pulled back but with no flag, he crossed down near enough for the substitute full-back to convert.

A penalty from Mitchell, the last action of the first-half, gave the visitors an unwarranted lead, wiping out a fine try from Mark Kirkby, who was skillfully put away 50 metres out by Paul Williams after Simon Binns had doubled back round a maul, the winger having to evade three would-be tacklers on the way to the corner.

There was one other chance when Mark Billington ran onto a superb short pass from Binns at pace to cut through but his attempted long pass to find his support failed.

Coventry were more assertive from the kick-off and it was the turn of the hosts to withstand the pressure but after Mitchell had missed with a penalty chance they were gifted a try.

A turnover on the home line was cleared to touch by Binns and Ian Carroll stole the Coventry throw but a hurried kick ahead was blown in-field into the hands of centre Simon Martin, who charged forward to set up a maul under the posts, from where second-row Robbie Hurrell broke off to score, Mitchell converting.

Binns brought Otley back to within six points with two fine long distance penalties and this brought about a rejuvenation, the ball being spread at speed but both wingers were ignored when they looked to be in the clear.

These errors were magnified when, in added time, fly-half Elisi Vunipola pushed Coventry into the home 22 with a penalty and, with the drive for the line held, scrum-half Tigger Dawson scurried round the blind-side to deny Otley the bonus point.

Otley are safely positioned in eighth spot with a game in hand of Birmingham and Solihull who are vigorously pursuing an amalgamation with city neighbours and next Saturday's opponents Moseley.

Both are seriously in debt and each has had to release their chief executive, surely one of the reasons for their dilemma.

This is not unique and the situation will be discussed at the information meeting in the clubhouse on Tuesday, March 26, along with ambitious plans to bring the infra-structure at Cross Green into the 21st century.

The chairman is hoping for a good turnout of members to get their views and suggestions.