Otley 0

OTLEY, who defeated Henley quite comfortably 19-8 at Cross Green in November, came unstuck when they visited Henley for a return Jewson League Division One match last Saturday.

Although this was their third defeat out of their last four league matches Otley have still maintained their third position although this defeat has now widened the gap quite considerably between themselves and the top two teams, Manchester and Henley.

The matches lost against Reading, Lydney and Henley were all away.

Their success came at Cross Green on Boxing Day when they defeated Morley to gain a league double over their old rivals.

The match at Henley was played mostly in torrential rain which created an extremely muddy pitch.

Henley had not been too happy when they went down at Cross Green and decided early in the game they were going to keep a tight rein on No 8 Lafaele Filipo, a task well accomplished and Otley paid the penalty for persisting with this tactic only.

Back play was neutralised by the weather and play in the first-half was evenly contested.

However, the home side were the more adventurous, made the most inroads and twice touched down but were recalled once for a forward pass and the and the other for a knock on.

However, Henley were not to be denied two minutes before half-time when Jerry Sampson's drive for the line created the gap for his second row partner Jack Hendriksz to score.

It was rather surprising that only three penalties were awarded, one to the home side but none of them were in a position to influence the score.

Centre Mark Billington who injured an ankle was replaced by Robert Whatmuff, who played well in an unimaginative Otley side. For Whatmuff it was a welcome return to real rugby action after being out since last February through injury.

Winger Simon Smith, always a danger man, almost got the equaliser but just failed to touch down a kick for the corner and his only reward was an injured shoulder.

l On Saturday the first team are without a fixture and the Saracens are trying to arrange a match.

Otley return to league rugby on Saturday, January 16, when Camberley, who they defeated at Camberley in October, will be the visitors.

This will be followed with a visit to Nottingham on January 23, and then on January 30 league leaders Manchester will visit Cross Green.

There are two important matches in February. Otley travel to Wharfedale for what will be a difficult task. They defeated them 25-11 at Cross Green in October but at home Wharfedale will be a difficult nut to crack.

Then on February 13 they entertain Harrogate who defeated them 6-5 at Claro Road in September.

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