Otley 23

Bracknell 19

THERE was disappointment for Otley when three key players, Simon Binns, Phil Greaves and Jonathan Burke had to withdraw but their strength in depth ensured that the gaps were adequately filled.

Ian Shuttleworth moved up to fly-half, Tim Foster taking his place, while the experienced Mark Billington stood in at centre and young Andrew Boyle came into the back row, taking Phil Griffin's spot at blind side as the ex-skipper moved across to number eight.

While they were unable to repeat the flowing rugby of last week they were able to dog it out against a side intent on taking them on up front.

This style came as no surprise, with ex-England prop Paul Rendall in charge and All Black Mike Brewer at number eight.

The visitors were certainly adept at using the rolling maul, their stock in trade, and caught Otley on the back foot in the 12th minute when they rolled forward fully 40 metres to gain a foothold on the home 22, finally gaining a penalty which winger Ben Nowak pushed wide.

He was successful three minutes later when offered a chance in front of the posts when the defence was caught off-side after thwarting a drive from a close in line-out.

Overcoming their slow start, the Otley pack began to dictate things at close quarters and the visitors found themselves stretched to the limit and after twice almost conceding a try gave away a penalty, which was pushed into touch.

The try which followed was straight off the training ground, a tap down by Peter Curtis to Ian Carroll, a drive and wheel and it was Curtis who made the touchdown.

Nowak put Bracknell back in the lead when he kicked a second penalty, awarded when a maul was illegally terminated.

Otley returned to harass the opposition line where Mr Maybank, after blowing for three penalties, grew weary and awarded a penalty try which was converted by Foster.

Three minutes after the break Otley went further ahead when Phil Griffin burst through the middle to turn the defence and Boyle completed the move with a powerful 30 metre charge to the line.

Nowak and Foster each added a penalty and at 20-9 in the 60th minute Otley were looking safe but were showing a reluctance to use their superior back division to drive home their superiority. They paid the price when a lapse in concentration let centre Josh Neke in for a try.

Foster then came into his own when he landed a penalty from almost half-way in the 78th minute but two minutes later, whilst Otley's five late replacements were trying to sort themselves out, England winger Dominic Chapman raced in at the corner from 35 metres out.

There was no panic, however. Otley played out the four minutes of added time in the visitors' 22.

l On Saturday Otley visit Coventry for a league game.