Otliensians 12, Ilkley A 6

Otliensians with no league or cup game scheduled did just enough to win this recently arranged fill in fixture.

The strong wind was in their favour in the first-half and they did most of the attacking with play, particularly in the first quarter, being concentrated around the Ilkley 22.

Ady Fawell, returning after injury, was unlucky not to get a touchdown following an astute kick ahead when the Ilkley defence did just enough to prevent him from scoring.

Otliensians' forwards were mostly on top and following some hard forward driving they were rewarded when Peter Bonner got the try on the goalline ten metres from the right touch, the kick just failing.

Ilkley ran well out of defence at times but the score remained at 5-0 to Otliensians until the break.

The situation changed immediately after the break when Otliensians were caught off-side. Ilkley were successful with their conversion of the penalty as they were two minutes later when a further infringement conceded another penalty just inside the Ilkley half.

A superb kick admittedly with the aid of the strong wind, just scraped over the home cross bar to put the visitors into the lead at 6-5.

Following a forced change at scrum-half when Ady Crossfield replaced Peter Gillson, who had received a knock, skipper Richard Smith resumed his season following an absence of several weeks and made an immediate impact in the tight scrums and the forward driving in the loose.

Although Ilkley attempted to pin Otliensians back in their half with the help of the wind Otliensians fought hard to get upfield with some strong forward play and some good runs from their backs, particularly right winger Jonathan Woods, playing only his second game for the first team.

He was duly rewarded with an excellent try following some good forward thrusts by the Otliensian pack pulling in the Ilkley defence.

Ian Chaplin added the conversion kicking well into the wind as he had from hand on several occasions in both halves.

It was not the most memorable of victories for Otliensians who were up against an experienced Ilkley team but they came back in the second-half after the double penalty knockback.

Tony Collins did some good work tackling from back row and then again when moved out to the left wing. Varo and Hayward worked hard in the backs.

Richard Paley had a good game and was unfortunate to be replaced just before the team was rewarded for its all round effort by the second try.

l On Saturday Otliensians entertain Leeds Corinthians in a league game at Chaffers Field, kick-off 2.15 pm. Having won their last three league games at home they will be looking to continue the run and gain revenge for the earlier away defeat by Corinthians.