Away win can be a catalyst - Otley's Rock (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Away win can be a catalyst - Otley's Rock

3:20pm Thursday 26th January 2012 in Otley By Bill Marshall

Relegation-threatened Otley are hoping that a rare away win can prove a catalyst in their fortunes.

The Cross Greeners defeated Kendal 11-5 last Saturday to end a sequence of setbacks on the road stretching back 24 outings to their 55-13 victory at Nuneaton on April 10, 2010.

Otley went through the whole of last season (15 away matches), when they were relegated from National League One, and nine matches this season in SSE National League Two North, where they are fifth from bottom in an incredibly tight fight for survival, before nailing that elusive away triumph.

“I came into that run fairly late,” said Otley’s player-coach Tom Rock, “but maybe it was praying on the minds of some players.

“But it is a monkey off our back now and we hope it can act as a catalyst for the rest of the season.

“The record wasn’t something we were concentrating on, however.

“My focus was on working hard and improving performance, and it has taken me this long to get to a position where I am happy.”

On Saturday, Otley host Leicester Lions, who are a place below them but on the same league points.

Otley will be without mobile flanker Daniel Temm, however.

Rock said: “Daniel had an operation on his hand on Sunday and has had it wired. He will be out for six to eight weeks.

“Mike Coady is set to continue at centre after his debut at Kendal, while Andy Fradgley, who wore the No 18 shirt not long after his 18th birthday, is likely to get a start in place of Daniel.”