OORUFC Match Report
1st February 2025
OORUFC 24 vs 11 West Park Leeds
Ensians made to work
Having trounced West Park the previous week in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy semi final, Otliensians’ home supporters were buoyant for last Saturdays league rematch. However the team that arrived bore little relation to the previous weeks. It seemed ‘Park had ‘found’ some excellent journeymen to support their cause. Despite their intentions, Otliensians zeal was unbreakable. This season Captain Luke Exley has galvanised the squad; each player putting his body on the line for the next. The team are playing with such passion and unity, it’s fantastic to behold.
West Park started the match with unexpected fervour, with their mobile forwards making excellent ground. This unsustainable tempo led to ‘Park conceding several penalties trying to hold back Ensians approaches. Early on the home team had a couple of opportunities for points, but both times the squad wanted to continue the attack and go for a try. With hindsight a couple of penalty goals would have been the sensible option, as early on in the half Park held firm, and any advantage soon dissipated.
With thirty three minutes played without a score ‘Parks composure started to crack. Playing a penalty advantage from an offside, ‘Park attacked Ensians try line. Excellent tackling from Exley, Josh Howarth and Will Cooper stopped them in their tracks, but sent their blood boiling and a scuffle broke out. Once the ‘hand bags’ were safely stowed, Park sensibly took the 3 points with an easy kick for their excellent fly half. Minutes later another opportunity arose and their lead was increased to 6 nil.
From the restart Ethan Heade chased the kick well, pressurising ‘Park and with the help of Corey Gowan won a scrum 15m out in front of the posts. A stable scrum gave power house number 8, Luke Cowdell time to ‘pick and go’. Handing off would-be tacklers like opening saloon doors, Cowdell did the hard work before passing back inside to fly half Ollie Eaves to cruise in to score. Sadly the conversion drifted wide, but Ensians had broken the deadlock. Seconds before the half West Park number 8, saw red again. This time frustrated by his own missed tackle; first a swinging fist, and then came a headbutt squashing the nose of captain Exley. Thankfully such scenes aren’t often seen these days, and rightly the referee pulled out a red card.
In the second half with a one man advantage Otliensians started to turn the screw. West Park continued to tackle well, but with excellent handling the blues kept the ball alive and were a constant threat. Fifteen minutes into the half, leading try scorer Will Howarth broke down the left wing, and scorched into score under the posts. Once the elated crowd had settled, Jake Bentley added the extras, giving Ensians the lead for the first time, at 12:6.
From the restart Otliensians continued the momentum with a break from centre Jake Bentley, supported by Gillson brothers Noel and then Isaac taking play up to West Park’s 5m line. The ball was quickly recycled from the maul, and passed down the line, ending up with Howarth again to score in the corner. Sadly the conversion wasn’t to be, but an eleven point lead settled the nerves.
For the next ten minutes, Ensians defences were put to the test. With a new powerful prop on, ‘Park pinned the home side to their try line. Holding firm Ensians won a scrum on their 5m line, and with an audacious number 8 pick up, Cowdell broke through and charged up field into West Park’s half before passing wide to Isaac Gillson on the wing to race for the line. This time the race was won, and so was the conversion, taking the score to 24:6.
Minutes before full time, West Park were rewarded with an unconverted try closing the score at 24:11
Otliensians should be proud of their performance. Their tackling was on point and their constant belief in each other was clear to see.
Next week Ensians enjoy another home match facing 4th placed Leeds Corinthians. A must win game to keep the top spot.