Otley hit brick wall in pursuit of tries (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Otley hit brick wall in pursuit of tries

6:40pm Sunday 30th September 2012 in Sport By John Finch

Luctonians  43 Otley 18

Otley lost their unbeaten record in National League Two North when Luctonians used their extra bulk to good effect to seal an excellent and, for them, unexpected result.

A troublesome cross-wind proved no problem to Dan Cooper with an early penalty but, with many more following as Otley pressed, he was asked to go for attacking line-out position where, despite some fine rolling mauls, they were held at bay.

Moving the ball freely, it seemed only a matter of time before they began to build a score but on 28 minutes a tap penalty under the home posts went wrong, Luctonians slipped the ball out to winger Alex Rumsey and he raced the length of the field to score, with fly-half Dan Smith kicking the first of four conversions.

This was their first time in the Otley half and their second also proved fruitful, No 8 Paul Hulland crossing in the corner.

Cooper added a penalty just before half-time but Luctonians were soon extending their lead, with winger Drew Cheshire in at the corner. Otley replied with a try from sub Chris Gemmell but hooker Jordan Street stole the ball in a maul to race over from the 22.

When a fine break by Cooper was halted, scrum half Steven Depledge was on hand to retrieve and dash over from 40 metres, the fly-half converting.

But the home side took advantage of Otley’s adventurous and necessary approach to grab three more tries through full back Charlie Meredith, centre Cameron Hewitt and scrum half Andy Williams.