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OLD OTLIENSIANS 24 WEST LEEDS 7
Carrol scores against West Leeds after a
powerful 40 metre run
Old Otliensians had a more familiar look to
the team on Saturday with a number of long term absentees returning for this
fixture against promotion chasing West Leeds, which doubled as the quarter
final Aire Wharfe Cup tie.
The game opened at a ferocious pace and this never diminished during a first
half, that although scoreless, provided the large crowd with end to end
rugby, where but for well organised and committed defences either side could
have scored following pressure, ostensibly from the Otliensians pack and
clever use of the wind from the West Leeds stand off who drove the home side
continually in to the corners with a well rehearsed kick and chase game.
However as the half drew to a close it was becoming increasingly clear that
the Otliensians centre combination of Carrol and Tinknell, prompted by stand
off Ratahi were looking like the catalyst for an Otliensians victory, and so
it proved.
As early as the 3rd minute of the second half, Otliensians pressure at the
scrum released Tinknell, who fed Carrol who from 40 metres out dummied and
powered his way through four defenders for the 5-0 lead. After 47 minutes
from another dominant scrum, Tinknell was released down the left flank and
proceeded to shrug off three defenders for the score at the posts which
Kristian Keinhorst converted. After 56 minutes Otliensians won a defensive
ruck virtually on their own line, but such was the confidence now veining
through the side, Ratahi moved the ball from left to right, releasing
Tinknell again who sped away over 90 metres, arcing away down the right
touchline leaving a stream of defenders in his wake for the 17-0 lead.
As the confidence continued to rise, another scrum was taken on the right 75
metres out, the ball was transferred to Carrol who streaked away from 65
metres down the channel, he exchanged passes with Dyson and scored by the
posts for Keinhorst to once again convert after 70 minutes.
West Leeds were always competitive and a threat, and they justifiably got
their own reward with the last play of the game, interpassing down the left
hand touch to leave the final score a very satisfying 24-7, with the semi
final against Skipton to come.
More pictures here!
Report supplied by Gary Walker
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