Otley 22

NEWBURY 20

IT was a close call but Otley came storming through from behind to take the points against visitors Newbury and retain top spot in Jewson One.

The smell of promotion is certainly in the Otley nostrils and the players are producing a never-say-die attitude as they seek their ultimate goal.

They showed their fitness and iron will to bring off victory after staring defeat in the face.

The loss of influential skipper Phil Griffin after 21 minutes with a recurrence of an arm injury did not help the cause but their predicament was mostly of their own doing. This was mainly down to indiscipline when in an advantageous position.

Credit must be given to Newbury who, as was to be expected from a side prepared by ex-Welsh international coach Kevin Bowring, were well organised in defence. However, Otley, given first use of a strong north wind were guilty of poor judgement when in scoring positions.

They create plenty of chances and Mark Kirkby was tackled into touch five metres short. The Otley forwards spent a long period on the visitor's line but the tries would not come.

Otley had early advantage when Dan Clappison kicked a penalty when the visitors went off-side virtually from the kick-off.

As Otley failed to make the best of their chances it was inevitable that full-back Mal Roberts would level for Newbury on their first visit to the home half.

Clappison added two further penalties, the last on 44 minutes, but a terrible mix-up on the second-half re-start saw Otley concede a throw- in ten metres from their line.

The inevitable drive left the blind side short of defenders and winger Dave Underwood darted over for Roberts to claim the lead with a fine touchline conversion.

Otley continued to have the better of the exchanges but a knock-on in the Newbury 22 was severely punished when the loose ball was gathered and kicked deep. The chasing forwards secured the ball to set up a try for centre Julian Griffiths. Roberts converted and on 25 minutes he kicked his side 13 points ahead with a penalty.

It took a few minutes for Otley to come to terms with their situation but the metamorphosis was sensational.

For the last ten minutes they could do no wrong. The forwards took charge and a series of lightening rucks and drives took them from half-way to the visitor's line where they were momentarily halted but Lafaele Filipo drove over for his tenth try of the campaign.

The backs then came into their own after the pack had driven Newbury back to half-way from the re-start and after Tom Lauriston had been halted in the right hand corner the ball was swung left. Ryan Duckett came into the line to cross wide out.

With Clappison unable to convert either kicking into the strong wind there was still a one point deficit but to the delight of the vociferous crowd Newbury were on the rack.

In the 40th minute a desperate defence was caught off-side on their own 22 and the man for the occasion, Clappison, struck the ball truly through the middle of the posts.

There were still minutes remaining and Otley almost scored again but they were happy to hear the final whistle.

Otley.- Duckett; Lauriston, Maynard, Billington, Kirkby; Clappison, Brown; Kelly, Sayers, Rice (Hall 60 mins), Carroll, Curtis, Filipo, Griffin (Skurr 21 mins), Burke.

Newbury.- Roberts; Holloway, Griffiths, Evans, Underwood; Davis (Baker 18 mins), Olsen; Williams, Kellam (Wakfer 40 mins), Collins, Duke (Harrison 60 mins), Miall, Gully, Kingdon, Hart.

Otley now have a two week break from league action before the vital trip to Rosslyn Park. Otley are now five points in front of second placed Birmingham/Solihull, who have a game in hand.

Yorkshire rivals Wharfedale are pressing hard for a promotion spot and a string of good results has taken them into third place six points behind Otley from the same number of games.

On Saturday Wharfedale defeated visitors Fylde 23-3.

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