Otley's resources limited by injury (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Otley's resources limited by injury

4:33pm Thursday 17th September 2009 in Sport By Bill Marshall

Otley’s chances of pulling off a victory at National League One derby rivals Wharfedale on Saturday have been hampered by injury.

While the Cross Greeners were pleased with the manner of their performance in last Saturday’s 23-23 draw with Tynedale, it took a toll on their resources.

Scrum half Craig Hampson requires a shoulder operation which will sideline him for four months, fly half Jamie Murray fractured a finger and back-five forward Tom O’Donnell fractured, Gareth Drabble also suffering ankle trouble.

After a troubled season in what is now the Championship, Otley have had a difficult summer, but will still show up with a young side, bolstered by one or two recognisable faces.

Wharfedale go into the match in the unaccustomed position of having won their opening two matches.

The return of Oliver Renton to the second row, where he is partnered by Alastair Allen, gives the Greens’ pack more substance than the one which played at Blaydon.

Former Bees player Latu Maka’afi, a try-scorer off the bench last week, makes his first start to complete an increasingly combative back row.

Any spectators thinking about coming to The Avenue for the biggest home match of the season should arrive well in advance of the 3pm kick-off as a large crowd is again expected.

Wharfedale (home to Otley): A Hodgson; D Hall, C Malherbe, M Bedworth, S Horsfall; J Ford, S Cottrell; T Horner, S Graham, M Chivers, O Renton, A Allen, L Maka’afi, R Baldwin, D Solomi. Replacements: A Mason, J Altham, T Ball, L Gray, D Matthews.