Old Otliensians 24

Wetherby 11

Before kick-off Otliensians were presented with their new shirts by Robert McEwan-Peters of RMP Properties.

Otliensians were looking to put things back on track after last week's disappointing performance at Northallerton in the Junior Vase.

Wetherby were the visitors and they were determined to get their league programme off and running with an away victory. However, at the same time the Chaffers Fields side were looking to stay at the top of the division with their third consecutive league victory.

Otliensians got off to a blistering start when after only five minutes a series of powerful driving mauls caught Wetherby off-side; allowing a quick penalty to be taken and Jonathan Woods to be given an overlap in the right hand corner to drive over for a great try.

However, the away side, playing with a strong wind behind them, were not going to lie down and concede defeat. Pressure was immediately put on Otliensians and a series of penalties resulted, allowing two penalties to be struck over and another hitting the upright, Wetherby turning around with a 6-5 half-time lead.

The second-half saw Jonathan Woods score his second try, again in the right hand corner after excellent forward play, Matthew Tenniswood stroking over the conversion. Otliensians were growing in confidence but found Wetherby defending resolutely. It was left to experienced scrum half Mattie Birch to put in a delicate chip kick over the Wetherby defence, allowing Woods to win the chase for the touch down and to complete a brilliant hat-trick - gaining him the Man-of-the-Match trophy.

Otliensians' hunger for points was still apparent, however, and a terrific series of rolling mauls saw experienced prop forward Peter Bonner dive and stretch one handed for a further try putting the Otley side further ahead.

Wetherby were determined not to return home without a try and whilst the home side were down to 13 men, they scored a consolation try through their left wing.

On Saturday, both the first XV and second XV visit Hessle. Travelling supporters will be most welcome. There will be no home game at Chaffers Fields.

Wetherby A 15

Otliensians A 22

In their second merit game of the season, Otliensians, unusually, began well and did not concede the usual early points. The first-half was evenly contested with neither pack able to gain an advantage.

However, Otliensians finally made the try line with Peter Hopgood going over to give the Visitors a 5-0 lead at the break.

Otliensians showed some spirited play in the second-half and centre pairing Richard Cuff and Ben Robinson looked likely first XV material.

Captain Peter Tempest again lead the team well from scrum half although he played like an additional flanker, like many of his predecessors in this position, for most of the game.

Tries from Tempest, Cuff and Robinson put Otliensians on the winning trail with stand off Chaplin converting the third try.

Wetherby were by no means finished and some intensive attacks brought three unconverted tries.