OLD MODERNIANS 6 OLD OTLIENSIANS 22
see photos of the game here!
Otliensians continued their excellent start to
2007, winning their 4th consecutive away fixture in the ever present
inclement weather conditions, and with the next two weeks away from league
rugby, the Yorkshire Division 4 table will begin to take shape, as the
pursuing teams play their games in hand.
Otliensians had first use of the elements, and after a high hanging kick
off, Duggan the Otliensians No 8 pressured the defence effecting a charge
down and winning the race to the touchdown, 5 - 0 with less than 30 seconds
elapsed, Otliensians continued to press, and Foster converted a penalty
after 4 minutes.
Modernians came back in to the game, and after a series of forward drives
were rewarded with a penalty in the 10th minute. The half was puntuated by
many penalties, as the players found the ground underfoot difficult to
master, but Otliensians played the elements with great assurance, and Foster
converted two further penalties for a deserved 16 - 3 half time lead.
What transpired in the second half was a near perfect example of how to play
up hill and in to a howling gale, as the whole Otliensians team contributed
to a driving tight game, punctuated by excellently executed close quarter
handling, that not only deprived Modernians of any momentum, but forced them
to defend for long periods. Modernians were not helped by a heavy penalty
count against them, just as Otliensians had suffered in the first half, but
such was the pressure created by the Otliensians team, Modernains only had
one serious assault on the away team's line in the whole 40 minutes, and
that was repelled with strong organised defence.
The outcome of the game was never in doubt as Foster first exchanged
penalties with his opposite number, then rounded off the scoring in the 56th
minute for a personal tally of 17 points.
Otliensians as a team again showed tremendous commitment, and no mean skill
in the dreadful conditions, and with every member of the side contributing,
this was an extremely satisfying result, against a well organised Modernians
outfit.
Report supplied by the coach, Gary Walker. |