Otliensians overcome the setback of an early try

OTLIENSIANS overcame the shock of a try against them in the first minute to beat visitors Hessle on Saturday.

The victory in this hard-fought league game by a goal, a try and two penalties to a try and a penalty, pushed them three places up this very competitive Yorkshire Division Four and into the top half of the table.

The opening try to the visitors came very shortly after kick-off when a speculative kick ahead was misfielded by the Otliensians' defence and winger Steve Montgomery went over for Hessle, the conversion attempt failing. Otliensians soon responded with a well-taken Ian Chaplin penalty.

Otliensians' forwards then exerted long periods of pressure on the Hessle line whilst the visitors went close to conceding a penalty try they managed to keep their line intact until the 30th minute.

Then the ball was moved quickly down the Otliensian back line to left winger Rob Wilks who cut cleverly inside to beat the wrong-footed defence and score an excellent try. This was converted by Chaplin.

Within minutes Otliensians increased their lead when forceful running in centre field enabled full-back Matty Tenniswood to come in and power his way through for another excellent try. The score remained 15-5 to half-time.

Hessle contested more strongly in the second-half in an attempt to recover the deficit but neither side was able to penetrate except for what appeared a good try towards the end by Otliensians.

Flanker Richard Crossley seemed to reap his reward for some excellent play throughout and particularly for his tackle count, when he went over in the corner only for the try to be disallowed for what was very narrowly adjudged a forward pass.

The only reward in the second-half to each side was a penalty, Chaplin converting for Otliensians and Collier for Hessle. This win was richly deserved by Otliensians.

Their forwards worked hard throughout typified by Dave Roberts who led the front five with some strong mauling and several heels against the head with Bonner, Twist, Myers and Brett Tenniswood grafting throughout.

In the back row Arbuckle made some thrustful runs whilst Crossley was outstanding at open side and back to his best from before his long lay-off.

Deeley tackled well close in and young replacement Jefferies looked promising. In the backs Birch looked sharp throughout and combined well with Chaplin at half-back, the latter kicking and passing intelligently. The return of Dave Smith at centre added power and experience.

l On Saturday Otliensians travel the short distance to Cookridge to meet old rivals Modernians. Kick-off at Cookridge Lane is 2.15 pm. Supporters welcome.

Old Otliensians A 29, Hessle A 17

On an excellent day for rugby Otliensians kicked-off with several stars from the previous week promoted into the first XV.

Hessle were a man down and this upset the balance of the home side's play at the line-out where their usual good form was not evident.

The early stages saw Hessle use their backs well and after seven minutes they scored a try which was converted. Otliensians came more into the game and Peter Gilson at scrum-half directed operations well. The backs attacked with enthusiasm but individuals tried to take the ball too far instead of moving it wide.

This was compounded by some poor support at the breakdown and many promising situations came to nought. However, they tackled well and maintained good field position and eventually Alan Harker, backing up well, scored wide out.

Pressure began to tell and stand-off Adam McCartney broke through to score. Right on halftime Hessle kicked a penalty goal to level the scores.

After the break Otliensians quickened the pace and moved the ball wider. Wing Jonathan Woods ran elusively to score in the corner and Andy Rayner crashed over shortly after, McCartney converting.

After 21 minutes guest player Kurt Nutchey, who had been showing pace at full-back, linked with Ian Hopgood's early run to score half way out with McCartney again converting. Otliensians then relaxed and failed to press home the advantage. Hessle very sportingly allowed Chris Myers, who had been substituted, to return when Roy Aldridge had to leave the field injured.

In the final quarter Hessle totally dominated the line-out and scored a good try which was converted. They attacked hard but the home side tackled well and were not to be denied their second win in succession. John Fozzard at centre again had a sound game.