Phoenix supporters look on as Ensians get their fourth try
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The top of the table couldn’t be any tighter, following Otliensians win over league leaders Rotherham Phoenix, last Saturday.

Rotherham knew the outcome of the game wouldn’t effect their promotion to Yorkshire Three, so they arrived in good spirits, hoping for an enjoyable afternoon. 'Ensians on the other hand, still had everything to play for, and with a seriously depleted squad, knew it would be an 'uphill battle'.

Only days earlier ‘ Ensians had defeated Burley RUFC in the opening match of the Aire Wharfe Cup, with a last minute try for Will Rigg.

The first stanza of the match was marred by too many penalties from both sides. Luckily for the home side, one such penalty was inside the range of scrum half Harry Bentleys right boot. Sadly the three point lead was short lived, when Rotherham broke down the left wing to score in the corner. The try converted by their excellent inside centre, who pressured ‘ Ensians for the remainder of the game with his kicking skills.

Otliensians shot back with a fantastic try that saw unretired prop, Rob Arbuckle scoop the ball off his boot laces, pass onto supporting player Ali Campbell and eventually onto Ollie Eaves, who broke through to score in the corner. Sadly Ensians kicking wasn’t on form, and the conversion was missed. From this moment on the home sides grasp on the lead didn’t waver.

Another score in the corner soon followed for Harry Bentley, but again the conversion unsuccessful.

Rotherham came back just before half time with another try down the left wing, taking the score to an uncomfortably close 13 points to 12.

The home side turned up the pressure in the second half. Flanker Harry Gillson, driving play deep into the opposition's half from the onset. Lock forward, Will Bowie’s keen eye saw an opportunity and sliced through to score under the posts. This time fly half, Jake Bentley took the extra two points.

With three tries ‘in the bag’ Otliensians knew they needed a fourth try to guarantee a bonus point. With a spring in his step Jake Bentley broke away looking for the fourth try. Sadly cut down 10m out, with a high tackle. Some refs may have considered a penalty try, but instead Ensians were awarded a penalty and opted for a scrum. The ball was quickly recycled and spun wide down the line but Rotherham’s defences held firm. Gillson securing possession again, enabled clean ball, back down the line to winger Ethan Heade, who scored in the corner to secure the essential bonus points.

Otliensians scored a further two tries, courtesy of centre Will Cooper, to see the game close at 39 points to 17.

This leaves ‘Ensians still two points below Halifax, just outside the promotion zone. Both teams have one more game on the 15th April. If the dream is to come true; Halifax have to lose at home to Stocksbridge and Otliensians have to defeat Mosborough away.
Fingers crossed!

Ben Ritson

Yorkshire 4 Table
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