WHARFEDALE..............21

Otley............................31

OTLEY, who suffered two league defeats at the hands of Wharfedale last season, gained revenge when they visited Threshfield on Saturday. They showed more enterprise than they had done in the defeat of Kendal at Cross Green a week earlier but they did field a much stronger squad. Nevertheless the down side was that winger Simon Smith had to leave the field with a leg injury making him doubtful for selection for the opening league game against Wakefield on September 9.

Although the match was billed as a friendly and there was no dirty play there were some crunching tackles and two Wharfedale players left the field with bloodied heads.

Before a crowd of around 300 on what was a damp afternoon Otley's backs ran strongly and handled the ball more confidently whilst the forwards grafted hard in the tight, loose and line-outs.

Otley took the lead in the fifth minute when James Lofthouse landed a penalty. Three minutes later Wharfedale took a 7-3 lead when Ben Whitfield touched down and David Pears converted. A 16th minute penalty and a Steve Judson try in the 22nd minute which Lofthouse converted, saw Otley surge into the lead at 13-7.

Wharfedale however continued to press hard and their determined play was rewarded with a 35th minute try from Jonathan Davies. This was converted by Pears making it 14-13 as Wharfedale edged in front. Otley fly-half Dan Clappison landed a penalty to give Otley the half-time lead at 16-14.

On the resumption Otley forged ahead with a try from Simon Smith but Wharfedale were back on level terms with a try by Russell Buckroyd which Adam Mounsey converted. When it looked as if Wharfedale may snatch victory Otley showed they were not finished and Lee Denham went in for a try which Clappison converted. Lofthouse then put the match beyond doubt with a 77th minute penalty. In the backs Mark Billington and Robert Whatmuff showed up well and left winger Sam Gardner produced a good turn of speed.

PARK JUNIOR SEVENS

WEST Park Bramhope's junior season opens on Sunday with a seven-a-side tournament at Under-15 and Under-17 levels. Kick-off is at Noon with the finals scheduled for 4 pm.