Two heavy weights lock horns at Chaffers Field
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On a most pleasant autumn day Old Otliensians entertained neighbours third placed Aireborough expecting a tough encounter. This was certainly the case and resulted in a match much closer than the score suggests.

'Ensians started strongly and Jake Bentley kicked a penalty goal after seven minutes. For the next 20 minutes however Aire were the more conspicuous team scoring a penalty goal and after 28 minutes taking the lead with an unconverted try.

The home team then showed their metal, Connor Bateman made a good break which came to naught but this resulted in a period of prolonged home pressure.The visitors' firm defence held for some time but on the cusp of half time a good scrum for the home team resulted in Luke Cowdell crashing over for a try. Jake Bentley added the extras to give 'Ensians a half time lead by 10 points to 8.

The home team started the second half going straight into the visitors' 22 . After about seven minutes following a series of scrums where 'Ensians had the ascendancy they drove over for a try again by Luke Cowdell converted by Jake Bentley to increase their lead.

Until the last five minutes most of the play was in the home half with Aire having much of the ball and putting the home team under considerable pressure .The feature of recent games has been the strength of the home defence and this was the discipline which held Aire at bay when many teams in the league would have cracked.

However when most of the home supporters were wishing for the final whistle to blow the home team broke out into the Aire 22. Rob Arbuckle took a quick penalty and after a few phases the ball was opened out and winger Declan Jackson scored an unconverted try wide out to settle the nerves.

To put the icing on the cake in the last minute quicksilver Will Howarth collected the ball in his own 22 and sprinted 75 metres to outpace the defence and score between the posts for the bonus point – converted by Jake Bentley – and making a final score of 29 points to 8 in favour of 'Ensians.

John Churchman

Yorkshire 4 League
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