OORUFC Match Report
16th March 2024
OORUFC 61 vs 21 Knaresborough
11 aside! are we at Otley Town?
Last Saturday Old Otliensians welcomed, bottom of the league, Knaresborough to Chaffers field, on what seemed to be the first dry day in some time. With many games cancelled in the previous few weeks, ‘Ensians home pitch was remarkably well drained, and the lads were certainly ready for their penultimate league match of the season.
With only eleven players in tow, ‘Boro’ made the brave journey over to Otley, knowing the result would automatically be a home walk over, gifting the hosts an automatic 25 to nil score line.
This showed great spirit and was much appreciated by the home team and fans, who, after a three week hiatus due to waterlogged pitches, were looking forward to seeing some action.
It was decided the game would be played as an 11 aside friendly, in four 15 minute quarters, without the need for conversions.
This all seemed very convivial, but with some important games on the horizon, the cynical supporter would be forgiven in thinking ‘what’s the point risking injuries for a game that doesn’t effect the chances of promotion’.
Thankfully there were no injuries, and the fixture gave the home team some much needed exercise, and an opportunity to hone their skills.
The score board started ticking in the first few minutes, with left wing Josh Haworth scoring in the corner. Further tries quickly followed courtesy of Will Cooper, Luke Cowdell, Will Haworth and Jack DeAth. On the halfway mark, 'Ensians were 40 points ahead, with ‘Boro not yet looking like they’d break the home sides defensive line.
In the third quarter, Ensians continued the one sided score line, with tries from Rob Lofthouse and Harry Wales.
It wasn’t until the third quarter that the visitors persistence was rewarded, and they managed to score three tries, making the final score line look a little more respectable for them. Otliensians managed one final score with a try from Harry Gillson to close the tally at 61:21.
Next Saturdays match will be the last league game at Nestle Rowntrees. Nestles are battling Aireborough for second place, and a win would see them in the end of season play-offs, keeping them in the promotion zone. Consequently it may turn out to be the toughest fixture this year.
Ben Ritson
OORUFC 2ndXv vs Ripon 3rdXV
Match abandoned for player safety
There was a double header at Chaffers field this weekend, Ensians raised a second team who took on a strong Ripon 3rdXV. With the 1stXV game a HWO most of the photos come from the 2ndXV game.
This was unfortunately cut short due to a Ripon player collapsing and having to be attended to by an ambulance. He eventually walked into the changing rooms after treatment but the game had been called off by then.
Roy Appleyard