Henley Hawks 12

Otley 22

OTLEY are proving something of a bogey side for Henley. They defeated Henley three times last season and on Saturday made it two out of three this campaign.

The opening game, in September, resulted in an outstanding 55-13 victory but an over-confident side faced Henley away in the fourth round of the cup in November and went down 30-48, much to the surprise of everyone.

Henley have recruited since their early set-backs bringing in new players, five of whom turned out for this return league match, but they have not brought much success and the Hawks still wallow at the foot of the table.

This victory keeps Otley sixth in the League and, incidentally, the highest placed Members' Club, all the one above being owned privately or by shareholders.

That does not mean that this was an easy victory but Otley were well armed with all their players available except Mark Kirkby, who was sitting an exam. Skipper Peter Curtis was able to resume and how good it is to have Paul Williams on the bench!

Once again the forwards were able to do all that was asked of them and the conditions insisted that they would need to. Phil Griffin wreaked havoc with his tackle-breaking runs up the middle and he had James Tiffany ever on his shoulder until the No 7 had to quit at half-time with a suspected broken finger. Nathan Bland proved to be a good replacement.

On this occasion the line-out worked wonderfully, even to the extent of taking many opposition throws and drives for the line were countered with a certain amount of ease.

The backs were not expected to figure much but to the credit of both sides the game was not solely a forward battle. They were called upon to defend many high balls and these were handled splendidly, Ian Shuttleworth at full-back being outstanding whilst the tackling was sure and solid. The home fly-half felt the full might of Robert Whatmuff, which caused him to retire after 35 minutes.

Twenty-four hours of rain gave way to high winds as the game commenced and Henley chose to take first advantage but they were immediately penned in their 25 only to take the lead on their first venture into Otley territory on ten minutes when full-back Jon Fabian kicked a penalty given for not releasing. He kicked a second minutes later.

Still looking the stronger Otley continued to press, crossing the line with a concerted drive but unable to ground the ball before the hosts finally conceded a penalty for Simon Binns to convert.

Fabian and Binns each added a penalty to leave the half-time score at 9-6 and Otley turned round confidently to take advantage of the elements.

Binns soon struck two further penalties but Fabian replied to level the score. The ground conditions were naturally worsening with the home side beginning to weary of the constant battering and Binns was able to slip in under the posts, giving himself a simple conversion.

Although not safe, Otley played out the game in full control, Binns kicking his fifth penalty deep into injury time. A pity he could not manage a drop goal for a full house.

l On Saturday the runaway league leaders Rotherham are at Cross Green, cock-a-hoop at putting nearest rivals Worcester out of the running 18-8 at Clifton Lane last week.

They have a good following so a big crowd is expected and spectators will be able to watch the Scotland v England game in the clubhouse, kick-off 4pm, with three bars open, all with TV.

OTLEY (home to Rotherham, kick-off 2.15 pm): I Shuttleworth; S Smith, R Whatmuff, P Greaves, M Kirkby; S Binns, A Brown; R Kelly, D Sayers, D Hall, I Carroll, P Williams, P Griffin, J Tiffany, N Bland. Repl. P Wright, M Walker, M Billington, A Pogson, Hapafila Liu, A Boyle, I Spence.

Saracens (at Harrogate, meet at 12.45 pm for 2.15 pm kick-off): R Duckett; W Darby, J Davis, S Gardner, R Leighton, J Henry; T Foster, G Cassidy, M Birch; C Booth, A Tindall, R Lyons, S Hudson, S Connor, I Judson, M Wright, A Greig, M Hellewell, M Gillson.

Tongans (home to Harrogate, meet at 1.15 pm for 2.15 pm kick-off): A Campbell; P Ayres, A Keeler, A Midgeley, C Jackson; A Edson, J Poostie; B Birkhall, C Minchella, C Burns, S Henson, M Keeler, N Girling, J Vyvyan, S Oliver. Repl. G Guyers, G Mitchell, D Green, S Kershaw.

Viscounts (at Harrogate, meet at 1 pm for 2.15 pm kick-off): Players to be notified by Jamie Chappell.