WITH Bradford Salem involved in a re-arranged League game and no home fixture being available in the pool, Otliensians had a week off which certainly helped the injured and walking wounded.

The Second XV match at Salem was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

To date this season, Otliensians First XV have won five from ten games and in the league have won three from seven, scoring 78 points and conceding 66 points.

Leading try scorers are Chris Bawden (6), Andy Hayward (5) and Mattie Tenniswood (5), who have all touched down more times than the leading try scorers of last season.

Helped by the influence of hard working coach Hugh Gumbs, playing standards, fitness levels and club spirit are all much improved over last season.

Winning the first three games, including an away league victory at Hullensians, seemed to lead to a degree of complacency.

But a home defeat to Skipton helped stiffen the resolve of the team.

Although unlucky to loose to league leaders at Malton, the team won their next two games against Moortown and Bramley.

Several key players are also currently side-lined with injuries, with cover for stand-off and goal kicker, Ian Chaplin, being the most difficult to fill.

The Second XV, under skipper Fraser Ritson, have won five from nine games, managing to play some nice rugby with a different mix of players every week.

Away wins at Cleckheaton and York RI were particularly notable.

The club appears to have sufficient players for a Third XV given an injury free run to get it established.

The club are grateful for the match sponsors and also for Paley Groundworks for providing the new Otliensians First XV strip and Waye & Son and Peter Tempest for financing the player's polos.

Members are also grateful for Smurfit for sponsoring the new sign at the road entrance.

On the social side, Bev Rockett has organised some excellent events including a Toga Party and the ever popular Chicargo Joe band.

Roger Whitworth, helped by sons Tom and Joseph and friends, organised a good bonfire and firework display last Saturday with club chairman Norman Coates and his wife Anne on kitchen duty supplying hot dogs, pie and peas and Yorkshire Puddings.

Otliensians look forward to continued progress on the playing front for the remainder of the season and also to more dances during the year and, of course, the usual New Year's Eve buffet and dance.

This week Otliensians First XV resume their league campaign at Barnsley with the second team entertaining Barnsley second team at Chaffers Field, with the kick-off at 2.15pm.