Second-half fightback secures double for Otley (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Second-half fightback secures double for Otley

4:32pm Sunday 17th March 2013 in Sport By John Finch

Caldy 13, Otley 15

Otley travelled to Caldy in search of an SSE National League Two North double, having won 32-20 in October, only to find conditions similar to last week, which had suited them not at all.

This time they devised a different approach and acquitted themselves admirably, the final score not really reflecting their superiority.

The hosts started well, hooker Christian Jones securing a try from a well-organised rolling maul 14 minutes into the game but James Twomey, drawing the short straw for the kicking duties, made sure with a penalty after Caldy flanker Harry Broadbent was yellow carded for consistent infringement.

Disappointingly, Otley were unable to profit from their numerical advantage, in fact going further behind when winger JJ Dickinson escaped his cover to score in the corner, securing a 10-3 half-time lead.

Otley took over after the break, getting their reward on 53 minutes when, after Caldy had repeatedly collapsed the scrum, the referee awarded a penalty try, Twomey converting to level the scores.

Eleven minutes later they were behind again, however, fly half Richard Vasey kicking a penalty but they continued to harry a desperate home defence, who eventually had substitute lock Dave Jones sin-binned.

On 71 minutes ,following endless scrummages and drives, Otley finally got No 8 Alex Ball over and, although unable to consolidate their position, they were able to hang on to their slender two-point advantage which keeps them in fifth place.