Otley 25

Exeter 5

A SUPERB performance by Otley on a snow sprinkled Cross Green pitch put high flying Exeter to the sword on Saturday. Otley gained a convincing National One victory which showed great promise for the remainder of the campaign.

Otley reduced their visitors to a walk on part. This was not to say that their team, bulging with full-time, quality players, was lacking in class or spirit but Otley could do no wrong although coach Peter Clegg could still be heard remonstrating with anyone moving out of position.

The first points were put on the board by Simon Binns as Otley got back into action after a two week lay-off. He kicked a 17th minute penalty.

Winger Mark Kirkby then got in on the act scoring a fine individual try after kicking the ball down the wing.

Although Binns missed with the conversion attempt he did land a second penalty five minutes before the break.

Binns was a key figure as Otley got on top and just seven minutes into the second-half he took the Devon side by surprise with a fine touchdown.

With the Exeter players expecting Binns to kick for goal after they had infringed near the posts he showed quick thinking by taking a tap penalty and walking over the line to touchdown.

Binns added the conversion but Exeter hit back with a try from their centre Stephen Ward.

Otley however were not finished and they responded with a try from centre Phil Greaves who charged over the Exeter line after forward pressure. Binns failed with the conversion attempt. Exeter's Ian Saunders was shown the yellow card for dissent immediately after Greaves had scored his try and Binns completed the scoring with a penalty 11 minutes from time.

l On Saturday Otley entertain Moseley.