OORUFC Match Report
7th March 2026
OORUFC 15 vs 14 Bridlington
Bentley’s boot beats Brid’
Last Saturday Otliensians entertained league leaders Bridlington RUFC in what was to be a thrilling home victory.
Bridlington arrived looking fit and ready for the task at hand; not an over weight, grey haired player in sight.
It was clear from the start, the game was going to be played at an eye watering tempo with both teams laser focussed on a win.
Winger Will Howarth should have opened the tally for Ensians on the 10th minute but was tackled off the ball while attempting to gather Jake Bentley’s chip through. The ref blew for the penalty, but perhaps a penalty try would have been more appropriate. From the resulting penalty Ensians piled on the pressure and on the 6th phase Howarth did go over in the left corner to score. From the touch line Bentley’s fine conversion added the extra 2. Sadly Bentley’s talent put a target on his back and on the 20th minute Brid’s nr 13 tried to separate Bentley’s head from his shoulders.
Brid’ were very lucky to only see a yellow.
Half way into the half, young Alex Gillson’s try was disallowed in the first of many questionable decisions.
Ensians kept the upper hand with some ferocious drives from George Martin and his fellow prop ‘Mickey’ Groves and eventually right wing Isaac Gillson went over in the corner to score an unconverted try.
Now 12 nil down, it was Brids turn to dial up the pressure and were rewarded just before the break with a converted try. Closing the half at 12:7.
After the break it was Ensians who suffered a yellow card, when Luke Cowdell’s superb cover tackle was deemed high. Now with a man advantage Brid were determined to score again, but miraculously Ensians held them back on several occasions. The whole team played their socks off, making tackle after tackle to defend the line.
Eventually the defences yielded and Brid crossed the line for another converted try and a 2 point lead.
With 16 minutes left on the clock it was game on!
Otliensians attacked Brids line but the tourists were determined to hold on to their narrow lead at all costs.
With 3 minutes left on the clock Ensians constant pressure eventually resulted in a penalty. At 35m out, Bentley knew the target was well within range, so opted for the kick.
The crowd fell silent, knowing the kick could mean not only a win but more importantly would inch Ensians closer to promotion.
He struck it perfectly and the ball sailed through the sticks to the jubilant cheers of the crowd taking the score to 15:14.
The last 2 minutes was an exercise in game management. Nothing silly. No penalties. Eventually Brid lost possession and Ensians kicked the ball into touch to the sound of the final whistle.
Man of the match Luke Cowdell, was a constant threat to Brid. Every break occupying several defenders and quietly depleting their energy levels. The Gillson’s were superb as usual, but young scrum half Sydney Dohjan-Wood had a blinder. Despite being the slightest figure on the pitch he tackled with precision time after time.
Next week is another important game against 5th place Huddersfield Laund Hill. 2:15 KO at home.
Report Bem Ritson
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