OORUFC Match Report
17th January 2026
OORUFC 25 vs 24 Baildon
Ensians enjoy an ‘Ugly’ one point victory
Sixth placed Baildon were intent on enacting revenge for the home defeat they endured earlier in the season at the hands of Otliensians. The reds shot out of the blocks and scored an early converted try, this stunned the home side into action.
Ensians quickly responded with an unconverted try from power house prop George Martin. Sadly trusted goal kicker and mid field tactician Jake Bentley was still out with a knee injury. Baildon responded with a penalty followed by an unconverted try, giving them a ten point lead. Through out the match Ensians forwards dominated the scrums and without fail secured clean ball for the backs, but the visitors defended brilliantly and gave the home side’s ‘danger men’ little room for manoeuvre.
Thirty minutes in, with a maul near Baildon’s try line, second row Ali Campbell dived through the melee and successfully grounded the ball. Again the conversion wasn’t to be, but the deficit was now reduced to just 5 points.
Poor discipline from the home side, gave Baildon’s excellent kicker a comfortable ’3 pointer’ just before the break to close the score at 10:18.
Early into the second half man of the match Alex Powell for Ensians narrowed Baildon’s lead to just a single point. His try converted by full back Connor Bateman.
Campbell scored another unconverted try giving Ensians the lead for the first time in the match. Frustratingly for the throng of side line supporters this advantage was short lived when Baildon successfully kicked the first of two penalties.
With 15 minutes to play Baildon were in the lead at 22:24. Thankfully they came unstuck following a phase of intense pressure from the home team and conceded a penalty. The supporters fell silent as Bateman strode up to take the kick. He hit the ball cleanly through the posts to take the lead by a single point. The visitors fought on valiantly but Ensians controlled possession in the dying minutes and clung on until fly half Eaves hoofed the ball into touch as the final whistle blew.
The 25:24 win cements Otliensians second place, just below league leaders Bridlington.
Next week Otliensians travel to Ripon, who despite sitting in 8th place, have only lost once at home this season.
Ben Ritson
OORUFC 2ndXV 14 vs 31 Leos 2ndXV
The 2ndXV battle hard
The 2ndXV took on a young and fit Leos 2ndXV who played some impressive, silky rugby. Despite the challenge, it was great to see some new faces at the club representing Ensians, and the squad showed real resilience, battling hard together for the full 80 minutes.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who came down to support yesterday — not just the players, but the club as a whole. Days like that, with two teams playing at home and the buzz of activity around the place, really are something special.
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