OORUFC Match Report
14th March 2026
OORUFC 32 vs 22 Huddersfield
Ensians go top of the table
On a pleasant sunny spring afternoon with a variable Westerly breeze and a pitch in great condition Old Otliensians entertained Huddersfield Laund Hill in a match between promotion contenders. What a superb game it turned out to be between two well matched teams and probably the finest display by ‘Ensians this season.
The home team set off at break-neck speed collecting lineout ball ,opening out across the width of the pitch to Will Howarth who raced over to score the first try after 5 minutes. Unfortunately the conversion hit the upright.Only 4 minutes later further home open play enabled Luke Cowdell to crash over the whitewash this time converted by Jake Bentley making the score 12 points to nil for the home team.
The visitors settled down and only great defence held their massive back from scoring. The rugby was of the highest order with crisp passing from both teams and hard unrelenting forward play. Something had to give and, after a penalty for the visitors took play into the home 22, their combined forwards and backs stretched the home defence. The visitors big forwards took control leading to a converted try after 25 minutes.Then helped by penalties and again using their strong forwards Huddersfield overcame the ‘Ensians stout defence scoring an unconverted try to even the score at 12 points each.
A penalty by Jake Bentley followed soon afterwards but after 37 minutes Huddersfield gained a penalty kick and despite more last ditch defence their well drilled team scored another converted try to take the lead for the first time.
On the cusp of half time Jake Bentley scored another penalty to reduce the visitors’ lead to 19 points to 18.
The second half saw the visitors in the ascendency with a penalty after 8 minutes. However, ‘Ensians showed their mettle and ground their way to within 10 metres of the visitors’ line.With veteran “Arbi” Arbuckle loving every second and supported 100% by the forwards and backs alike, they attacked the Huddersfield line time after time ,the visitors having to concede penalties to keep them out incurring a couple of “yellows” for their sins. After 20 minutes the inevitable happened and man of the match Luke Cowdell scored a try converted by Jake Bentley to take the lead.
The home team’s tails were now well and truly up, the team spirit was unbelievable, Huddersfield defended stoutly. Using forwards and backs ‘Ensians scored the bonus point try, both scored and converted by Jake Bentley after 35 minutes to win 32 points to 22 points to great cheers from the crowd.
The team spirit and will to win enabled ‘Esians to overcome a very good Huddersfield team in what was the best home performance of the season and, what’s more, a thoroughly entertaining game with much good rugby from both teams to enjoy.
Report John Churchman
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