Otley Saracens 22, Fylde 17

SARACENS, with several players returning, looked far stronger for this Merit table game and they made a good start putting Fylde under pressure. A promising chance was squandered with a sloppy pass before Alistair Monks put triallist winger Leroy Rivett, the rugby league star, over in the corner but the referee ruled the pass forward.

Rivett won the LanceTodd Trophy after scoring four tries for Leeds Rhinos in the 1999 Challenge Cup final. He also played in the 1998 Grand Final.

Winger Rivett who has also played for Bramley, Huddersfield and Leigh Centurions is currently signed with Warrington Wolves and he has previous union experience with Sale Sharks.

Keeping up the pressure Saracens took the lead with a James Henry drop goal but Ben Steele was sin-binned for indiscipline and the visitors drew level from the penalty. Saracens raised their game and Fylde had to defend strongly but when a good move broke down Matthew Wright was up in support to gather and crash over, Phil Howell adding the conversion to make it 10-3 at half-time.

Saracens made use of their bench in the second-half and a good forward drive was held up over the line. Saracens kept Fylde in their own 22 and the pressure told when Matthew Wright powered over to stretch the lead, Phil Howell adding the conversion.

Back came Fylde, showing great resilience, and their centre, who had been their best player, sliced through to score a try which was converted. It was end to end now and the Saracens pack drove on well before releasing and the ball was quickly transferred to Leroy Rivett who made ground before feeding Alistair Monks, who raced over.

Otley were soon on the attack again but the chance went when the final pass was dropped with the line open and Fylde had the last word when they scored in the last minute. This was a very entertaining game to which both sides contributed fully.