Old Otliensians 25 Northallerton 17

OTLIENSIANS recovered from the shock of losing both centre to injury in the warm up and going 10-0 down to record another Yorkshire Three victory at Chaffers Field.

Northallerton, who had seven regulars unavailable, were quickly in charge through their taller and heavier pack.

Sustained pressure and continuous possession put them two tries to the good after only 15 minutes.

Both conversion attempts failed, but it looked at this point that Otliensians were in for a hard day at the office.

The home side had to tackle and defend continuously, but when the ball did come to hand, their backs looked dangerous. Winger Will Howarth was halted just short of the line after a good run.

On the other wing, Declan Jackson ran brilliantly to beat his man on the outside and cross the line, only to be brought back for a foot-in-touch decision.

Nathan Rogers then followed up a kick, the bounce was kind, he gathered and went under the posts for a try which Jackson converted.

Otliensians continued to exert pressure and were rewarded when Zak Stead raced over for an unconverted try.

Northallerton’s forwards were again dominating the line-out and causing disruption to the home scrum, but the hosts defended stoutly and held their 12-10 lead until half-time.

Otliensians were straight on the attack after the interval but gave away a penalty to hand territory and possession back to Northallerton.

An unstoppable catch-and-drive put the visitors over the line and a splendid conversion gave them a 17-12 advantage.

Otliensians put the Northallerton full back under pressure with a kick and chase which forced a penalty.

Jackson’s successful kick narrowed the deficit to two points and Otliensians had further reward when Rogers broke in the centre and found Olly Eaves on his inside to take the pass and beat the defence for a great try.

Jackson converted superbly and Otliensians had some breathing space at 22-17. A tap penalty saw Eaves nearly score.

Jackson extended the lead to eight points with a penalty as Otliensians finished as comfortable winners.

Howarth looked poised for a bonus point try when chasing a kick ahead, but eagerness and a bouncing, rolling, ball combined to bring about a knock on and the final whistle.