DMPRFC 37 v OTLEY RFC 24

Whilst DMPRFC were in their own battle to stay in touch with the leaders in the league, Otley RFC required the points in order to keep a sufficient enough margin to stave off any relegation worries.

Otley RFC were certainly up for the game and as events unfolded, they battled to the end and most definitely deserved their 4-try bonus point, as their efforts were commendable.

Unfortunately, the game will be remembered for the delay, whilst a serious looking neck injury was sustained by the visiting fly half Ben Fairclough, who lay motionless for a while after a fairly innocuous collision. With both physios in attendance and the DMPRFC doctor, it was decided to leave the player, whilst the ambulance was summoned.

Unfortunately, the ambulance took over 45 minutes to arrive and when the player was finally taken by the ambulance from the field, almost an hour had elapsed before play resumed.

The decision not to move the player was the correct one in view of the potential consequences of the injury, but the ambulance delay, well that's another story.

(By way of update on Ben, Otley RFC officials advise that thankfully there had been no serious injury and Ben was released from hospital. Everyone at DMPRFC wishes him a speedy recovery)

The game started brightly enough for the home side, when after 5 minutes, lock Talite VAIOLETI was at the back of the maul from a catch and drive lineout, crashing over (5 - 0). Max CONNON was successful with a difficult conversion (7 - 0).

Otley RFC struck back to level matters shortly afterwards, when their full back went over in the corner (7 - 5). The conversion was successful (7 - 7).

Skipper Cameron MITCHELL was next in on the act when ghosting passed his opposite number, finding the gap to motor away for the score (12 - 7). Again Max CONNON was successful with the afters 14 - 7).

Then came the injury (as above).

When the game eventually resumed, DMPRFC 'grasped the nettle' and applied the pressure through a series of rolling mauls. Within a very short space of time ,Otley RFC were reduced to 13 players, when in quick succession, both the visiting hooker and loose-head prop were yellow carded, both for the same offence - pulling down the maul.

With the numerical advantage, DMPRFC applied more of the same and from a catch and drive lineout, flanker William MACAULAY found himself at the back of the maul to touch down (19 - 7).

Otley responded quickly, with their winger scoring in the corner (19 - 12).

Just prior to oranges, a galloping foray by lock Talite VAIOLETI opened up the Otley defence and when he was hauled down, he supplied the scoring pass to prop Josh BAYFORD, who scored near the posts (24 - 12).

After the break, it was Otley RFC who started with more purpose and were rewarded with a try from their flanker from a series of pick and drives near to the home line (24 - 17), The conversion was slotted easily (24 - 19).

From the restart, DMPRFC moved into Otley territory swiftly and winger Lewis JOHNSON cut a cracking angled run, piercing the defence and scoring under the posts (29 - 19). Max CONNON easily converting (31 - 19).

Home centre Andrew SMITH was yellow carded at this stage for a dangerous tackle, which again sprung the visitors into action, the same winger scoring his brace in the corner (31 - 24).

Changes were made by both sides at this stage, in an attempt to enliven the game.

Otley again appeared to be sensing the chance of another point, however, with another player taken off injured and two late penalties from Max CONNON, it was to be one point only for them.

Given the long delay, both teams provided excellent entertainment for a sizeable crowd, who gamely applauded their efforts at the final whistle.