Otliensians 35

Halifax Vandals 0

In their convincing win over Vandals Otliensians scored five converted tries and once again returned to not having their own try line breeched.

Peter Gillson, captain in the absence of Richard Smith and Hugh Gumbs, scored three superb individual tries, supported by further tries from Ian Chaplin, returning after injury, and Rob Arbuckle.The ever dependable Will Haines added all five conversions.

Otliensians exerted the early pressure playing the game in their opponents' half with the help of a strong wind. Prop Tony Twist, playing his usual hard working "in their face" game, charged down an attempted clearance which led to good forward thrusts and a kickable penalty.

This was regrettably reversed through indisciplined back chat. Nevertheless the momentum was not lost and within minutes scrum-half Gillson made his first weaving run for the line to open the scoring. He followed this up ten minutes later with another from 20 metres out, both converted by Haines to give Otliensians a deserved lead of 14-0 at the break.

After half-time Andy Rockett replaced Brett Tenniswood, the latter having achieved some excellent line-out possession playing in the unaccustomed position of second row. Rockett came in as hooker with Paley moving to back row and Arbuckle up into the second row.

Otliensians were still largely in control and although line-outs were not as convincing as the first-half Darren Hardie worked hard and effectively.

The Halifax side rarely troubled Otliensians' defence and when they did the home side often turned play to their advantage. Just such a situation led to Otliensians' third try. A long Vandals' kick failed to find touch and Dave Smith, having another fine game in the back row, covered back to retrieve and start a counter attack passing open side to Hayward.

The right winger made ground and passed on to Tenniswood who linked well with Bawden who blasted through a frail Vandals' defence and passed on to Gillson. The scrum-half weaved some of his magic at close quarters before setting Aidy Fawell on a strong run. The centre dummied before cutting inside and passing to Chaplin who went over to finish off one of the best moves seen at Chaffers Fields. Haines added the conversion.

Arbuckle went over with a good drive and shortly before time Gillson enjoyed another fine run breaking from behind a maul just outside the Vandals' 22. Both were converted by Haines.

This was a good team effort by Otliensians with every member contributing. Bonner worked hard at prop with some meaningful drives and Walton grafted continuously. Paley tackled well and stitched up the loose ball. Man-of-the-Match was the irrepressible Gillson, not only for his fine tries but also his linkage work with the backs and his defence round the fringes.

l On Saturday Otliensians travel to Heath in the third round of the national Junior Cup and with more of their squad available hope to avenge their recent league defeat there. Kick-off is at 2.15 pm.

Halifax Vandals A 0

Old Otliensians A 26

On the Vandals' hill-top pitch in very windy conditions, Otliensians soon gained the upperhand despite starting with 14 men. The conditions adversely affected clean line-out ball for both sides throughout the game but Otliensians scrummaged strongly.

After ten minutes winger Steve Lofthouse pounced on an error and ran strongly evading several tackles to score an excellent try.

Elliot Dawson extended the lead with a well taken penalty goal. Mid-way through the half Peter Tempest, who had been chasing players, took the field and Dawson moved from full-back to No. 8. With an eight points lead, Otliensians began the second-half strongly. Dawson kicked a penalty and then Sean Moore ran in a try which Dawson converted.

At this point Otliensians lost Chris Myers but soon extended their lead when Dawson broke from a scrum to put scrum-half Simon Coates over from ten metres.

Dawson kicked a further penalty goal to complete the scoring. Overall, this was a workman like display from Otliensians who registered their third merit table win for the season in difficult conditions.