Otliensians defeated

DINNINGTON........25

FOR the second successive week Otliensians started as selected with Rob Arbuckle returning to the back row and Dave Roberts moving to partner Richard Smith at lock.

Otliensians opened strongly into a driving wind and contrary to recent weeks began achieving some good line-out ball, not only on their own throw but also on Dinnington's.

They started the scoring within five minutes when after a fluid back move and some good forward play, prop Tony Twist got the touchdown for his second try in consecutive games. Ian Chaplin floated a superb kick into the wind to add the conversion points.

Dinnington gradually increased the pressure but Otliensians were holding them well and produced some good mauling play by the forwards with Richard Smith prominent and some strong running in the backs, particularly by Chris Bawden.

After 20 minutes however, Dinnington pulled three points back with an easy penalty in front of goal.

The visitors now increased the pressure in the run up to half-time but some good defensive work held them out and the sides turned round with Otliensians still in the lead at 7-3.

Dinnington opened the second-half with sustained pressure which after ten minutes led to their first try, followed ten minutes later by their second, a good break by their No 8 from 15 yards out. Both conversion attempts failed. In this period full-back David Smith suffering severe cramp had to be replaced by Tony Collins and a little later Chris Baldwin had to retire with a thigh injury, Peter Bonner coming into the front row.

Otliensians were playing with real commitment and after half-an-hour of the second-half their efforts were rewarded with a well struck penalty from Chaplin to bring the scores to 10-13.

However, straight from the kick-off Dinnington attacked to score close to the post with an easy conversion to follow.

The home side however were fighting tooth and nail now and after Tony Collins fielded well and chipped ahead, from the ensuing loose play skipper Andy Rockett drove with great determination for the line and scored a powerful try. The kick failed but The forwards camped within five yards of the Dinnington line and forced three consecutive penalties, opting sensibly for the scrum each time. They drove hard but the Dinnington defence, not always legitimately, just held out.

It was a rousing period of play just before full-time and Otliensians deserved a score if only to level the result and share the points.

It was not to be and in fact Dinnington managed to pounce on a loose ball, escape up the right wing and with Otliensians committed to all out attack, score a final try to seal the home side's fate.

Otliensians played with great character and deserved at least a point for their endeavours.

l On Saturday Otliensians visit Malton and Norton for their 16th league game, kick-off 3 pm. Travelling supporters will be most welcome and the team hopes to avenge their defeat in the first league game of the season when they went down by a mere three points 10-13.

Wharfedale B.......12

Otliensians A.......13

Otliensians A had to make two changes for this trip with Andy Hayward coming in at centre and Dave Beardsley at prop. The surface was very greasy but from the start Otliensians took play to Wharfedale and with some good forward drives led by Dave Evans, Darren Hardie and Roy Appleyard, they were soon on the attack.

Unfortunately with the slippery surface and some indifferent handling the back moves tended to break down but flankers Peter Tempest and Matthew Payne were always on hand to tidy up.

The visitors went close with several try scoring efforts but the Wharfedale defence held out and the opposition backs were always ready to counter attack from their own line if necessary.

The pack had rthe edge in the scrum and the front row of Andy Rayner, Roy Aldridge and Dave Beardsley was able to take three scrums against the head.

In the line-out Darren Hardie and Roy Appleyard began to dominate so half-backs Ollie Willis and newcomer Wayne Palmer had a steady supply of good ball to distribute.

Despite several good attacks from both sides it looked as though the first-half would end without a score but a good move allowed centre Andy Hayward to make a strong run into the opposition 22. The forwards drove on but a knock-on gave Wharfedale a scrum near their own line. The opposition hooked the ball but Otliensians pressure caused the ball to come out untidily and scrum-half Ollie Willis stole the ball to score well out. A good conversion by Wayne Palmer gave Otliensians a well-deserved 7-0 lead at the break.

Richard Paley replaced Beardsley and Shane Moore replaced Steve Lofthouse for the second-half. It was clear Wharfedale had made their replacements from strength as their pack tore into Otliensians and strong tackling by Fraser Ritson, Andy Hayward, Shane Moore and Andy Jackson supported by the back row of Paley, Evans and Tempest, was needed to keep the home side at bay.

Jamie Bannister at full-back made some good clearances and ten minutes into the half No 8 Dave Evans had to retire with a neck problem. He was replaced by teenager Andy Wallace.

Eventually the pressure told and a good Wharfedale back move produced a try making it 7-5. Fly-half Wayne Palmer, who had a good afternoon with his kicking, landed a good penalty to extend the lead to five points.

This seemed to spur the home side on and they scored a good try and the conversion put Otliensians behind at 12-10.

They launched further attacks and it looked as if Otliensians would miss out but a never-say-die attitude saw Peter Tempest rally his troops and they battled their way into the Wharfedale half. Wharfedale conceded a penalty and although it was a difficult 40 metre kick into a strong breeze Palmer landed it to give Otliensians victory.

This was a most satisfying win against a lively side and credit must go to the whole team for their spirit and determination.

Aire-Wharfe Cup

THE draw for the first round of the Aire-Wharfe Sulzer Cup competition is: Aireborough v Bradford and Bingley; Yarnbury v Otley; Keighley v Bradford Salem; West Park Bramhope v Ilkley; Wetherby v Wharfedale; Bramley Phoenix v Baildon; Old Modernians v Skipton; Old Otliensians - bye.

These games will be played on Monday, March 27, kick-off 6.00pm. The draw for the next round will be made later that evening at Aireborough RUFC.

The most intriguing game is that between Yarnbury and Otley at Brownberrie Lane. A repeat of last season's final which guarantees an early exit for one of the favourites.

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