Otley 14

Fylde 23

FYLDE came away from Cross Green with a win but were denied a bonus point by a resolute Otley side.

The Yorkshiremen got to the ideal start when, having gained possession went into Fylde’s half, Freddie Watson’s run and pass to Elliot Morgan allowed the former Ilkley player to jinx his way through the remaining defence.

On the quarter hour mark, Otley extended their lead after fluent moves saw Morgan run through for his second. Ben Smith converted both of the tries.

In Fylde’s first venture into Otley’s half, when play resumed after an injury to Max Johnson Otley gave away a penalty at the scrum.

A tap penalty followed, Fylde moving the ball from right to left for Tom Grimes to score in the corner.

On the half hour, a run by Tom Carleton from within his half went to Ben Vernon, who went over close to the posts, Greg Smith converting.

The remainder of the half was even between the two sides, but was brought to a shuddering halt when Scott Rawlings tackled Stephen Nolson as he sped for the line. Nolson sustained a broken ankle on the play.

The visitors finally took the lead early in the second half, having gained a penalty at the scrum.

Kicking to the clubhouse corner, Fylde’s pack when through several phases before their backs took over moving the ball to the other corner, a long pass seeing Grimes getting his second.

Both sides battled hard in a physical encounter, Otley conceding a penalty for being off-side when they dived onto a loose ball and Greg Smith made the score 20-14.

Otley took the fight to Fylde, and put a penalty gained at a scrum in their 22 which was put into the corner.

However, they were unable to breach the line and were pushed back before Fylde conceded a penalty, although the attempt went wide.

The Lancastrians made the game safe two minutes from time when Otley infringed in front of their posts, Greg Smith having a straightforward penalty kick, which denied the Yorkshiremen a losing bonus point.

NICK DOYLE