OTLEY RFC 5 v DMPRFC 31

A clinical first half salvo of 4 tries from DMPRFC effectively sealed the bonus point win, as tries from flanker Ollie HODGSON (2), Andrew SMITH and Guy van den DRIES were added to by fly half Gavin PAINTER, with 3 conversions.

Andrew SMITH snatched his brace after oranges, but after the interval, the game was spoilt by too many penalties being given away by both sides, resulting in no fluidity or flow to proceedings.

Otley RFC battled gamely after oranges and scored a consolation try at the death, which was probably deserving even though DMPRFC were reduced in numbers when replacement lock Glen YOUNG was harshly sin-binned for pushing an opponent.

Initially, the weather looked as if it was going to be kind as DMPRFC travelled the short distance South. However, just prior to the kick-off, the clouds darkened and the heavens opened, making the surface slippery underfoot and heavy in some places.

Thankfully, the rain stopped just before kick-off and both teams tested each other’s long kicking game initially, before DMPRFC forwards asserted their authority and took the game to Otley RFC.

Flanker Ollie HODGSON registered first, when from a 5 metre lineout, a catch and drive effort marched the Otley pack over their own line, with the flanker managing the touchdown (0 – 5). Fly half Gavin PAINTER was successful with the conversion (0 – 7).

A carbon copy manoeuvre followed five minutes later, this time a full 22 metre catch and drive, before again Ollie HODGSON emerged with the ball (0 – 12). Again Gavin PAINTER obliged with the afters (0 – 14).
Things were looking ominous for the home pack, as the visiting forwards continued to dominate.

DMPRFC backs were ignited on occasions, with penetrating runs from wingers Chris McTURK and Tom KILL, whilst the midfield duo of skipper Cameron MITCHELL and Callum MACKENZIE were causing plenty of problems for their respective opposite numbers.

Otley RFC did obtain some useful possession and on a couple of occasions threatened the visitor line. However, hard hitting defence always seemed to repel their attacks, with some excellent defence from the front five forwards.

Full back Max CONNON displayed some fine catching of the high ball and from the kicks which followed, invariably a lot more ground was gained in the direction of the Otley RFC line.

On one such foray by Otley RFC, within ten metres of the visitor’s line, the ball was coughed up and DMPRFC had the put in to the scrum. Andrew SMITH broke down the short side and was off and running. Support was in abundance, with Gavin PAINTER and lock Talite VAIOLETI,
interpassing and taking the ball well into their opponent’s half, before offloading to Andrew SMITH for the try (0 – 19). Again Gavin PAINTER converting (0 – 21).

By now DMPRFC were underlining their current form and as oranges loomed, it was no surprise, when another 5 metre catch and drive brought rewards, but this time the scorer who emerged was No.8 Guy van den DRIES, who was having a fine game (0 – 26).

So as the players went into the changing rooms for a well earned break, DMPRFC had already managed the bonus point, but supporters were contemplating what might be after the interval.

Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors, nothing really materialised after oranges.

Firstly, DMPRFC wing CHRIS McTURK was taken off as a precaution, being replaced by versatile back Tom HODGSON, who took over from Gavin PAINTER, with the latter moving out to the wing and it wasn’t long before Tom HODGSON made his mark with a trademark shuddering tackle.

Five minutes later, winger Tom KILL took a knock and was also replaced, with centre Chris PEACE returning to the side after a long injury absence.

In addition, lock Talite VAIOLETI was replaced by Glen YOUNG.
These alterations and re-shuffles altered the flow for the visitors and also coincided with a more3 determined rear-guard action from Otley RFC, who endeavoured to show DMPRFC that they were not going to have it easy or all of their own way.

DMPRFC took some initiative and when Otley RFC were given a scrum five metres out, sufficient pressure was exerted enough to allow Andrew SMITH to harass his opposite number enough to cough up the ball, which the former gleefully accepted and forced his way over the line for his brace (0 – 31).

Further player introductions from both sides followed, which again interrupted the flow of the game and this also coincided with a deluge of silly penalties, one of which harshly found DMPRFC replacement lock Glen YOUNG consigned to the sin bin for what looked like an innocuous push.

The game was fizzling out, but Otley RFC had the last word with a try at the death, which is what they deserved (5 – 31).