OTLIENSIANS 5

WEST LEEDS 32

CONDITIONS were good when Otliensians entertained West Leeds - a side newly promoted to Division One.

The visitors having had an indifferent start to the season have shown improved form over the last month and the previous week just lost to North Division One side Halifax 15-3.

Otliensians received a late blow when Richard Smith was called in to work at the last minute. Mark Stephens came in to deputise.

It was obvious in the early stages that the West Leeds side was very competent. They started by dominating loose play, getting people quickly to the breakdown and being more competitive.

With their backs receiving a good supply of the ball they handled well and took the lead with a try in the corner. This was quickly followed by a straight penalty and they continued to dominate lengthening their lead before half-time with a short range try created by their forwards.

The conversion took them to 15-0 at the break.

Otliensians started the second-half in more determined fashion with the forwards taking the game to West Leeds and after an excellent drive the ball was re-cycled successfully on four or five occasions and the backs were released.

Neil Hendry made a break allowing Matthew Tenniswood to score. Although there was no conversion it was hoped that this score would inspire Otliensians to a more determined effort.

The opposite was the case however with Huddersfield continuing to play most of the game in the home half. They scored two further tries and a penalty to emphasise the comprehensive victory.

This left the home side wondering where they had gone wrong. The main problem seemed to be the better quality possession invariably went to West Leeds.

This result leaves Otliensians looking at the bottom of Division One but more worrying is the rapidly deteriorating points difference.

Andy Hayward was awarded Man-of-the-Match for an outstanding defensive display in the centre.

West Leeds A 20

Otliensians A 3

With the second team suffering from first team calls despite the defeat they gave a determined, gutsy performance. Having to concede the quality possession they battled well throughout but West Leeds took an early lead with a penalty goal which was shortly followed by a converted try which took them to half-time leading 10-0.

A somewhat lethargic start to the second-half saw the home side run in two further tries in the last 20 minutes. Otliensians produced an excellent fightback and a penalty goal by Ian Chaplin reduced the arrears.

With the midfield trio of Chaplin, Mark Sellars and Andrew Thorpe defending well ably supported by the back row of Simon Dykes, Paul Stenton and Marcus Drake Otliensians were able to force play into the Huddersfield half.

Despite various half chances and a good display on the wing by Rob Wilkes they were unable to penetrate a solid home defence.

Otliensians B 0

West Leeds B 3

As the score would suggest this was a keenly contested game having to be played under the non contested scrums rule due to Otliensians being without a prop. The sides largely cancelled each other out which is what often happens with uncontested scrums.

A penalty goal mid-way through the second-half ensured victory for the vistors in what had been a good game throughout. It was refereed by club president Adrian Normanton as the Society official failed to turn up.

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