Ensians looking for gaps in the Phoenix defence
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Old Otliensians travelled to Rotherham expecting a tough match against unbeaten and top of League Yorkshire 4 Rotherham Phoenix. It was a pleasant afternoon on a good pitch with a light breeze ideal for fast open rugby.

Phoenix started with an assault on the visitor's line They won two penalties and after 3 minutes scored an unconverted try in the corner. 'Ensians were up against it in the scrums and mauls and struggling somewhat in the lineouts. Despite this their defence was outstanding and they held the home team at bay throughout the next 20 minutes with play entirely in the visitors half.

However the visitors' backs were the better unit and after 25 minutes Jake Bentley made a half break to take play into the home half for the first time. On 30 minutes Phoenix won a penalty and from the ensuing line out used their heavier forwards to drive over for a converted try. More frantic defence followed but on the cusp of half time the backs passed the ball to Eithan Heede who made good ground. The half time score was 12 points to nil to the home team.

The second half started with massive pressure by the visitors and after 6 minutes Jake Bentley scored a try converted by Will Cooper. The pressure continued and after 12 minutes a great run by Matthew Ryan took play deep into the home 22.The Rotherham defence was in tatters and the ball sped across the 'Ensians backs for coach Daz Greenwood, who was lurking on the wing, to storm over for an unconverted try to equalise the score at 12 points all.

Rotherham came back and from an attack near the visitors' line opened out the ball across their backs for the winger to score a try wide out followed by a fine conversion.

Play was pretty well equal for some time until the home team were awarded a penalty which was kicked to touch and the heavier home forwards trundled over for another converted try.

Not to be outdone with 10 minutes to go Will Cooper kicked a "free ball "into the clouds and recaught it himself .When tackled the ball was quickly recycled to Olly Eaves who made a half break enabling Jay Walsh to power through the Rotherham defence to score a super but unconverted try.

Defences were on top for the rest of the game final result being a win by Rotherham 26 points against 'Ensians 17 points. Although being out gunned in the scrums and rolling mauls, 'Ensians' defence was of the highest order and their backs had the better of their opponents. The return fixture at Otley will be awaited with keen anticipation.

John churchman

Yorkshire 4, week 7
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