Otley 24

Huddersfield 24

AN inspired double substitution late on saw Alex Beaumont score and Joe Rowntree add the conversion in Otley's dramatic draw with Huddersfield at Cross Green on Saturday.

As one would expect, no quarter was given by either side in this thrilling Yorkshire derby.

The visitors kicked off and were soon on the back foot when they gave away a penalty.

However, Otley were unable to capitalise when the line-out was lost.

Four Huddersfield penalties later, when Francis Entressengle failed to roll away on his 22, Ben Smith had his first scoring opportunity and did not disappoint.

After a period of pressure on Otley’s line, a high tackle saw Will Milner level the scores from the penalty spot.

Neither side were able to crack the other, a running break and late pass by Henry Roberts offering Otley’s best chance.

Early in the second half, Josh Hall made a run down the right-hand flank, but Otley were penalised at the breakdown and went no further.

Ten minutes in and Otley lost the ball in the opposition half, Elliott Knight then ran 50 metres to score which Milner converted.

Otley reduced the deficit some six minutes with a five-metre catch-and-drive, Simon Willet taking the ball and Adam Malthouse touched down.

A knock-on after the restart was followed by a penalty putting the ball into Otley’s 22.

Huddersfield moved the ball from right to left, and Lewis Bradley scored in the corner to put seven points between the two sides.

Bringing on fresh legs in the backs had an immediate effect, as Rowntree whipped the ball out from a scrum, from which Alex Beaumont withstood tackles to score in the clubhouse corner.

Nerves were on edge as Rowntree took the conversion but the ball sailed through the posts, and again two minutes later when Milner took a penalty from the half-way line. Fortunately, the kick was short and the scores remained level.

NICK DOYLE