Otliensians gain revenge for cup defeat by Hullensians

Hullensians 13

A repeat of last week's fixture, this time in the all important league, saw Otliensians gain revenge for last week's defeat.

A stronger side took the field and with the return of inspirational Captain Richard Smith the Chaffer's Field side were eager to make amends.

It didn't take the home side long to show their intentions, when after only seven minutes, a clever kick from the ever alert Matthew Birch, saw the Otliensians' backs give chase.

However, it was flanker Marcus Keinhorst who got there first and collected a sweet bounce to run over unopposed giving Will Foster a kind conversion.

Some seven minutes later the 'under the weather' Cooper on the wing showed his magic by darting in at the corner to extend Otliensians' lead to 12 points.

The visitors responded with one of their classic driving wedges from a line-out to force their way back into the game.

Only a further well-struck penalty from the boot of the home centre, Foster, kept the lead looking reasonably healthy.

The second-half saw Hullensians plough into the home side and an early penalty brought the visitors right back into the game at 15-8.

It took the best move of the game for Otliensians to move further ahead a quarter of the way through the second-half.

Sublime handling by the best part of the Otliensians' team saw the fast-improving Keinhorst score his second try, much to the joy of the home crowd.

Within minutes the ball flew down Otliensians' backs from left to right, giving wing Jonathan Woods room at last to show his pace and he squeezed in at the corner to put another try on the board.

At 25-8 it looked as though the Chaffer's Field side were home and dry but with prop Tony Myers sin-binned and full-back Dave Smith breaking his nose, the tide turned and it was all Hullensians for the last ten minutes.

A further well-worked try by the visitors tested the home side's nerve but they hung on for another crucial victory in their quest for promotion.

Wibsey 17

Otliensians A 16

Playing uphill and into the wind on this exposed field Wibsey soon took advantage of the visitors' early disorganised status and scored after five minutes following a knock-on with the referee unsighted.

Otliensians soon sorted their tactics out and opted for driving the ball forward into the elements at every opportunity. Wibsey used the wind well and the visitors were often penned deep in their own half.

A simple defensive error saw them go further behind when Wibsey scored a converted try. However, Otliensians hit back with some sound driving play and a good move was completed by stand-off Neil Barlow powering over in the corner.

Wibsey continued to use their advantage well and scored again before the break to give them a 17-5 lead.

Playing downhill in the second-half Otliensians found the going easier. The pack stood up well in the set scrums against bigger opponents but lost a few strikes against the head and line-out ball was difficult to come by with skipper Brett Tenniswood having to play at scrum-half.

Wingers Ollie Richards and Steve Lofthouse had some good runs and helped to keep the pressure on the home side. Tom Twist took a quick tap penalty, ran well and popped up the ball to full-back Mattie Tenniswood who scored.

Tenniswood also kicked two penalties to bring Otliensians within a whisker of victory. Man-of-the-Match was Tom Twist who had another outstanding game in the loose.

Otliensians B 0

Wharfedale Fifths 81

The young Otliensians third team players soon found out about the Green Machine. Their fifth string were a vastly experienced side and would have been strong opponents for Otliensians second team.

The visitors scored almost instantly from the kick-off taking full advantage of a poor defensive alignment. Otliensians responded well and moved up field but poor handling gifted the visitors the ball and they promptly scored again.

This really was the story of the first-half and Wharfedale racked up 62 points without reply by half-time.

The second-half was completely different. Some positional changes and substitutions, a pause for breath and re-group saw Otliensians launch into the re-start with vigour.

Tom O'Donnell won good ball in the line-outs and the set scrum was far more steady and some good moves developed. They were unlucky not to score and Wharfedale had to step up their workrate to breach a better organised defence and some excellent tackling. Richard Crossley and Dan Ridgeway were always to the fore and it was good to see Will Haines back after several years.

The third XV play with some real spirit and they gain in experience week by week but finding games at the appropriate level is a continuing problem.

l On Saturday the first XV visit Aireborough with both sides seeking vital league points. The seconds entertain Aireborough and the third s are at home to Ilkley fourths.