OTLIENSIANS........12

malton................29

OTLIENSIANS were losing this last league game of the season 24-0 at half-time but rallied in the second-half to take the honours in that period 12-5. They were unlucky to concede any score after the break being in command for much of the half, Malton and Norton's last try coming in the 11th minute of injury time.

Otliensians with a much changed side and several 'regulars' missing, including penalty takers Haines and Smith, opened on the attack and pressured the visitors in their 22 for much of the first 15 minutes which was strewn with penalties on both sides.

Otliensians well held their own in the first quarter but after 25 minutes a defensive error gave possession to Malton who showing some fluidity for the first time got the ball down the line for Chapman to go over on the right, the conversion being added.

Within five minutes Otliensians were a further five points down when the full-back under pressure had his kick charged down by Gilbertson who went over, the kick failing this time.

Otliensians were now under pressure with the Twickenham cup winners taking advantage of mistakes. On 35 minutes the visitors contained good possession at a five metre line-out and back row Ryan drove hard and low under the Otliensian defence for their third try. They finished off with another from broken play by wing forward Gwilliam.

This was duly converted to bring the half-time score to 24-0 to Malton.

At this stage Otliensians looked to be buckling but a no holds barred tirade from coach Hugh Gumbs in the interval appeared to rouse the home side.

Their heads kept up and the forwards started to exert their dominance with the second row of Hardie, and skipper Richard Smith and the front row of Payne, Rockett and Baldwin showing up well.

Forward pressure drove the ball down field and led to Otliensians first score by Gumbs who went over strongly.

Otliensians were now in the driving seat but could not turn their possession into points against a strong Malton defence.

They pressurised the visitors penning them in their own half and indeed in their 22 for much of the second-half but it was not until injury time that skipper Richard Smith went over with a strong run. He got the touch down when the ball was first knocked from his hands by a Malton defender. Gumbs added the conversion.

Malton however gained a further try through Mansell while defensive minds were occupied by a melee in midfield.

Otliensians could not complain at their defeat and they had only themselves to blame with defensive errors being the turning point. However, a number of players emerged with credit. Walton, Roberts and Paley worked unceasingly in the back row and Gumbs and Hayward provided a powerful midfield defence.

Otliensians have ended their season in a creditable fifth position in their league and at the time of going to press are about to play in the Aire-Wharfe Cup semi-final against Wharfedale.

A lot of the credit goes to coach Hugh Gumbs who has revived the flagging spirit and puts a lot of hard work in which has begun to turn round the club's fortunes.