Heath 21

Otliensians 0

Otliensians, without skipper Richard Smith and several other key players, visited Yorkshire League Three leaders Heath anticipating a difficult game but with the knowledge that they had been successful in the same fixture last season.

The many changes disrupted the Otliensians' organisation and pattern of play but not their effort. However, the Heath pack worked very well in the line-out from the outset gaining excellent quick ball. Although Otliensians had the best of the opening exchanges territorially, Heath took the lead with a penalty after some ten minutes. Despite the major forward power being on the touchline, Otliensians' scrum held up well with Peter Bonner prominent but conceded several further penalties for ruck and maul offences, one of which was converted.

A good period of play from the visitors failed to produce a score and further pressure from Heath eventually overcame a determined defence leading to a forward try which was converted to give the home side a 13-0 lead at the break.

Heath soon increased their lead early in the second-half with a penalty from long range but for the majority of the half Otliensians competed well and good defence kept Heath at bay. After some 30 minutes, Otliensians were unlucky not to score when a Chris Bawden chip ahead bounced unkindly.

Heath completed the scoring following an off-side decision against Otliensians at a maul, choosing to run the ball in the forwards from the ten metre line to score an unconverted try.

Considering the many changes, Otliensians can take some satisfaction form their efforts and can look forward to resuming the contest at Heath in the RFU Junior Cup on November 3.

Otliensians A 12

Heath A 24

With a substantial number of first XV players unavailable, the Otliensians A line-up consequently was much changed.The well organised Heath side were soon attacking strongly both via their pack and lively backs. They soon scored a try and were pressurising Otliensians in the set scrums but the home side were more than a match for the visitors in the line-out.

Some clean takes from jumpers Matthew Dykes and Andy Bowyer enable good positions to be set by stand-off Ian Chaplin and the scores were soon level whenNo 8 Elliott Dawson finished off a good team move. Heath added a penalty to give them a 5-8 lead at half-time when Andy Cooper and Stephen Hammond replaced Simon Coates and Fraser Ritson.

Otliensians started well after the break with Cooper encouraging quick ball off the top of the line-out but Heath with a good back move increased their lead with a converted try after 15 minutes.

Otliensians replied after good midfield work from the back row men Dawson and Peter Tempest with Chaplin providing the continuity link to Cooper who ran strongly from 20 metres to score. Chaplin converted.

With the score at 12-15 the game ebbed and flowed for the final 20 minutes but Heath gradually secured their win with three further well struck penalties.