Part of Otley Rugby Union Football Club’s ground is set for demolition.

The Scratching Shed, which is at the Chevin end of Cross Green and which the players run through to reach the pitch, has been condemned after a structural survey.

Club secretary Marc Lawrence explained: “We had an annual inspection from fire officer Mohammed Azam from West Yorkshire Fire Service at Birkenshaw, and he recommended that we commissioned a structural survey report.

“This was arranged by club president Michael Procter, and the result was unfavourable.

“In these litiginous times, if anything was to happen to anyone then we would be liable, and I also believe that the roof contains asbestos.

“I believe that the shed was built in the 1930s and we will probably demolish it, but I don’t know what will replace it.”

Meanwhile, Otley are waiting to hear the outcome of their appeal against the deduction of five league points for playing Alexander Beaumont against Harrogate on Saturday, December 21.

Lawrence said: “The appeal was heard on Tuesday night in Stourbridge and we should find out the result in the next couple of days.”

Otley were scheduled to play two matches on Saturday – the SSE National League Two North game at Sheffield Tigers and a Yorkshire Cup tie at home to the same opponents.

Lawrence explained: “We contacted Tigers earlier in the season to ask them if they wanted to play the league game at Cross Green on October 19 as a double-header for both league and cup, but they declined.

"Then Sheffield Tigers contacted us to ask if we wanted to play the league game at Dore Moor on Saturday as a double-header, thereby losing our home advantage, and we thought 'what cheek'.

“Anyway we have contacted the Yorkshire Cups competitions chairman Keith Dyas and he says it is okay for us to play the Yorkshire Cup tie at Cross Green on Saturday, February 22.”

Former Otley back-rower Daniel Temm made his first-team debut for Newcastle Falcons last Sunday.

The rangy Kiwi was one of four new boys who were given their chance in the LV= Cup against Saracens at Allianz Park, the hosts winning 41-8.

Temm joined the Falcons last November and has played several games for their second string in the A League, as well as enjoying outings on loan with SSE National League One neighbours Tynedale, including one at Wharfedale earlier this month.