Will outpaces the Hornsea winger
Click the pic for more photos

OTLIENSIANS TANTALISINGLY CLOSE TO THE PROMOTION ZONE.

With Otliensians in third place, last Saturdays convincing win against east coast Hornsea was essential to keep the dream of promotion alive.

The win takes ‘Ensians tantalisingly close to second place Halifax. Everybody thought last months loss against ‘Fax had been the final ‘nail in the coffin’ for the hope of promotion, but Halifax went on to lose the week after to Rotherham, moving them into second place, and Rotherham back into first.

With only a one point deficit, Otliensians certainly need to win all three remaining games, and take bonus points where possible.

Having beaten Hornsea on their home turf previously, Ensians were confident from the start.

Will Cooper made a welcome return in the centre, especially as Luke Cowdell remains out of action with a shoulder injury.

From the onset, the game was dominated by winger Will Howarth, whose blistering pace, eluded Hornsea’s defences on six; yes six, occasions! Setting a new club record in the process, for the most tries scored in a single match.

The backs couldn’t have enjoyed such unfettered opportunities, without the stability of the forward play. Paddy Phipps excelled at hooker, giving clean line out ball to Sam Featherstone and Ally Campbell to recycle. John Neall, in second row, made some excellent incursions, and new player Will Rigg at nr 8 controlled the back of the scrum perfectly. As usual, Harry Gillson tackled everything in his path, and for most of the match, Hornsea were pinned in their own half.

Mid way through the second half, with 27 points under their belt, ‘Ensians momentarily lost their focus, and gave Hornsea the space they needed to break through. Eventually a quick penalty, caught the home sides defence off guard, and Hornsea’s excellent scrum half slipped through to score under the posts.

Ensians responded with a final try from Howarth, to close the scoring at 32:7.

In conclusion, Hornsea made a worthy opponent, and gave it their all until the very end. Hopefully they'll perform well next week against Rotherham

This weekend we face 4th place Mosborough away. Having drawn at home, at the start of the season, it’s sure to be an excellent contest.

Yorkshire 4, week 21
Click the pic for game photos