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OLD OTLIENSIANS 1st XV 26 pts OLD MODERNIANS 1st XV 0 pts
Photo by Jenny Trelfa
The conditions were once again perfect for
this eagerly awaited local league derby, and the home faithful were not
disappointed as the Ensians produced another crowd pleasing performance to
maintain their healthy league position.
This game was characterised by the 4th Ensians try, scored by Arbuckle, who
finished a perfect move, which started in their own 22 and once again proved
that the Ensians are able to play a brand of total rugby that is appreciated
by their growing band of supporters.
The game started in the usual probing fashion, with each side attempting to
impose their style of play, but it soon became apparent that with the
Ensians defence again in superb shape, and the Mods hard running backs not
able to penetrate using route one, that the superior skills of the Ensians
team would prove the key to success, and so it played out.
After early Mods pressure through their pack, the game settled in to a
pattern of almost continuos Ensians domination of territory, with only the
brave, energy sapping tackling of the Mods sustaining them throughout the
first half. It was almost inevitable that the deadlock would be broken, and
following an audacious chip from Keinhorst, the flying Jon Woods easily won
the race for the touch down, enabling Foster to add the extras from wide
out.
A half time lead of 7 - 0 was a testament to the Mods determination, but
with every tackle made the second half task for the Ensians was becoming
more predictable, and with excellent fitness levels the Ensians began to
display a level of rugby that produced three more scintillating tries.
The first by second row Tom Woods followed a move of great continuity, where
backs and forwards combined through a dozen phases of play, the second
followed a quickly won line out, with the ball passed efficiently to Jon
Woods on the wing, who accelerated past his opposite number, drawing the
full back expertly before providing the inside pass for the supporting Matt
Tenniswood to score. Then followed undoubtably the moment of the day, when
Tom Woods epitomised the Ensians defensive effort with a bone crunching
tackle in front of the home support, the collision heralding the final team
effort for Arbuckle's try. Seven consecutive pick and drives took play from
the Ensians 22 in to the Mods half, the ball was spun first to the left,
then back to the right, the defence was split, the try gleefully taken.
With Foster adding two more conversions, and a third clean sheet in six
league games, the scoreline fully reflected a great win over a spirited and
determined Mods.
Report supplied by the coach, Gary Walker.
Photo by Jan Pickles
Old Modernians 32 pts vs Old Otliensians
2nd XV 5 pts
Photo John Heald (Old Mods)
I don't have a report for this game but if you
click on the photo above it will take you to a page created by John Heald of
Old Mods with a lot more pictures of the game. Thanks to John for making the
photos and the link available.
Old Otliensians 3rd XV 5PTS V Old
Modernians 34pts
In the early stages Otliensians were soon on
the attack winning some good ball from all phases. However they were unable
to put together co-ordinated moves to threaten the Modernians line.
Modernians gradually began to come back into the game and at this stage an
ambulance had to be called to a Modernians player with a neck injury.
On the restart Otliensians lost all momentum
and the visitors soon scored wide out. They continued to put the home side
under pressure and soon scored and converted another try. Ensians regrouped
and a good move resulted in a try for wing Tom Broadbent. Before
the break a poor defensive clearance gave Modernians the ball in space and
they developed a move going left to outflank the home side cover and score a
try in the corner which was converted giving them 5 - 19 pts lead.
Unusually Otliensians were slow to start after
half time and succumbed to a period of pressure from the visitors who soon
scored a further two tries in the corner. In the last quarter Ensians came
more into the game but could not reproduce the form or enthusiasm of
previous weeks . Modernians scored a further try to give them a well earned
win. The teams were grateful to Graham Dyson from Otley club for
officiating.
On Saturday the 1st XV play their rearranged
League game at Hornsea ( ko 230) , whilst the 2nd XV are away at Ripon and
the 3rd XV are scheduled to play Otley 4th.
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