OTLEY RFC 0 v DMPRFC 27

Otley RFC cite the poor weather conditions as the main reason they failed to ignite at the weekend, however, DMPRFC would also have much preferred better weather and pitch conditions, but still prevailed despite what they were faced with on the day.

Charlie Madderson made his debut in the game and was described by Otley, along with stand-off Grant CONNON as their joint ‘men of the match’ before the flanker gave way to tactical replacement Liam RILEY with a quarter of the match remaining.

Prop Ralph APPLEBY scored the first try after good scrummaging work by the forwards (0 – 5), Grant CONNON converting (0 – 7).

Otley were down to fourteen men when a centre was yellow carded after 22 minutes of play, to be joined by a 2nd row colleague 5 minutes later, accompanied by prop Dan MILLER from the visiting side. DMPRFC had to reshuffle for the scrums, introducing replacement prop Ben SIMPSON at the expense of No.8 Danny DIXON.

The disruption to both sides was obvious, but it was DMPRFC who profited most, when centre Lewis JOHNSON crossed for DMPRFC’s next try prior to oranges (0 – 12).

On the resumption after the interval, with both teams restored to their full quotas, Grant CONNON registered with DMPRFC’s first points, with a well struck penalty (0 -15).

DMPRFC managed to keep Otley out and Lewis JOHNSON collected his brace of tries on 59 minutes (0 – 20), with Grant CONNON again adding the conversion (0 – 22).

Winger Shaun McCARTNEY rounded off proceedings with the fourth and bonus point try on 73 minutes (0 – 27), for a deserved win against very difficult opponents, especially on their home patch.