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17 pts Old Otliensians 1stXV vs Hornsea 1stXV 6 pts
Taki on the charge, on his debut for
Ensians
See more Photos here!
Old Otliensians 2ndXV vs Leeds Metropolitan
Bower tries to free the ball up (he had to
leve the field injured shortly after this)
See more Photos here!
Otley 4thXV vs Old Otliensian 3rdXV
Lofty makes an appearance for the
opposition
See more Photos here!
OTLEY VISCOUNTS 24 – OLD OTLIENSIANS B 17
The teams assembled for this local derby with
Otley keen to avenge a defeat by their local rivals last month. In the
absence of a referee, Viscounts’ skipper Jamie Chapple valiantly stepped
into the breach and ‘Ensians winger Steve Lofthouse was loaned to Otley to
make up a full side.
The game started at a fast pace and, when loose ball was moved quickly by
the visiting half backs Andy Causer and Jim McDougall, centre Ben Robinson
cut through in style from fifty yards to score half way out. The conversion
failed to give ‘Ensians a 5 point lead after five minutes.
With a much bigger pack, Otley were stung into action and through good
driving and backing-up, they were rewarded with a try ten minutes later to
level the scores at 5 apiece. At this stage Otliensians’ centre Ben Robinson
was replaced by newcomer Richard Gill, playing his first game for fifteen
years. Although Viscounts had a weight advantage in the scrums, the visiting
front row of Chris Myers, John Offer and Steve Robinson managed to hold
their own and from a series of strong drives from Andy Wood, Ray Drake and
Richard Wardak, McDougall was on hand to dive over. The conversion failed
and ‘Ensians kept their five point lead as half time approached.
A clearing kick by the visitors was gathered by loaned player Steve
Lofthouse who eluded several tackles to set up a good attacking position for
Viscounts. The ball was moved wide and Otley went over to level the scores
at 10 all at the break.
In the second period Dave Beardsley replaced injured prop Chris Myers for
the visitors as Otley launched a series of attacks through their speedy
backs. Despite strong defence from centres Rob Gray and Richard Gill,
Viscounts scored wide out and a good conversion gave them a 17 – 10 lead.
Both sides competed strongly and, with Alan Garnett getting a good supply of
ball from the lineout, ‘Ensians attacked through Jim McDougall and his
centres Gray and Gill. With good support from flankers John Broadbent and
Ray Drake, Rob Gray forced his way over. McDougall’s conversion levelled the
score at 17 all with fifteen minutes remaining.
The big Otley pack made ground through a series of rolling mauls and
‘Ensians had to defend strongly for long periods with full back Sean
Flesher, returning after injury, having to make last-ditch tackles. Newcomer
Sam Gray replaced Dan Garnett on the wing as play moved from end to end.
With a few minutes remaining and a draw looking likely, Otley kicked through
and their strong follow-up put pressure on the ‘Ensians defence, allowing
the Viscounts to scoop-up spilled ball and go over near the posts. The
conversion put Otley in the lead at 24 – 17 with four minutes to go.
‘Ensians responded vigorously, but the Viscounts’ defence held out with the
final score at 24 – 17. For ‘Ensians, newcomers Richard Gill and Sam Gray
acquitted themselves well. Also, credit must go to both teams for an
entertaining game played in a good spirit and particularly to Viscounts’
skipper Jamie Chapple for a first class performance with the whistle.
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