Otley Rugby Union Football Club are still waiting to hear the outcome of their appeal over a deduction of five league points.

The hearing was in Stourbridge a week last Tuesday, and Otley’s secretary Marc Lawrence admitted: “I am extremely surprised that we haven’t heard the result yet.”

The points were taken away from Otley for playing Alexander Beaumont against Harrogate on Saturday, December 21.

The SSE National League Two North club did not realise that he was still registered with Durham & Northumberland Division Two side Whitby.

However, the Cross Greeners, who say that the error was made in all innocence, feel that the RFU have some culpability in the proceedings.

Having had their league match at Sheffield Tigers postponed last Saturday, Otley are confident that their home match this weekend against Sedgley Park will go ahead.

Lawrence said: “Of course, the pitch will be wet but it is flat and was rolled on Tuesday.”

He received a call from Tigers’ fixture secretary Steve Green last Friday to say that their match was in doubt, and that the pitch would be inspected the following morning at 9am.

Lawrence said: “Sheffield Tigers got a local referee in on the Saturday morning to inspect the pitch and they rang us to say the game was off.

“That gave me time to get in contact with various people to stop anyone travelling, and the match has been re-arranged for Saturday, February 22.”

That was the date when the sides were due to meet in the Yorkshire Cup first round at Cross Green, and Lawrence revealed that Otley had offered to stage the match then as a second-team fixture at their ground.

He added: “Sheffield Tigers refused our offer so we have contacted Yorkshire Cups Competitions chairman Keith Dyas to rule on the matter and we are awaiting his reply.”

Former Prince Henry's Grammar School pupil Paul Hill has again been picked to start against Scotland tomorrow night in their under-20s international at Netherdale (7.30), the home of Gala Rugby Club.

The otley prop is partnered in the front row by current Prince Henry’s Grammar School pupil, hooker Jack Walker, who is also at Leeds Carnegie.

Facing them could be former Otley player Ben Cooper (Boroughmuir), who is on Scotland's the replacements’ bench.