|
After just missing out on
the second promotion spot from Yorkshire League Division 4 last season,
Otliensians are currently leading the division with 20 pts with Hullensians,
Hornsea and Castleford in close pursuit, all with games in hand. With new
Coach Gary Walker in charge, players fitness levels were raised at the start
of the season and the team has played some entertaining and effective rugby.
Having lost to all the teams in the chasing pack, Otliensians however, have
Castleford and Hornsea at home later in the season but have to play a strong
Hullensians outfit away. As always, injuries and unavailability have all
played their part but it has been encouraging to see players moving up into
the 1st team from the Junior sides, in particular the O'Donnell brothers.
The league table has an unusual look at this stage in the season as teams
try to slot in games lost in the first few weeks, when the RFU decided to
run their EDF Vase competition on the designated league Saturdays.
The 2nd XV, now under the leadership of Andy Bower, have won five of their
Merit games and have again opted to play open rugby which, given the right
conditions, suits their style. Several players are showing promise for the
future but long term loss of back-row Andy Allman with a shoulder injury, is
a blow.
The 3rd XV have been well organised by Jim McDougall, himself suffering from
injury, and Scott Child. The team play with continuing enthusiasm although
there are problems finding them appropriate games at the right level. A note
for the record books is that Father and Son, Alan and Dan Garnett both
scored tries in the same game. We are again grateful to the North Yorkshire
and Cleveland branch of the Referees Society for providing Referees,
particularly given the many changes to the Saturday fixtures. We are
grateful to Derek Smith for officiating in a wide variety of games in the
first half of the season and also to Graham Dyson of Otley and Rob Wilkes
for helping out.
It has been good to see Paul Deeley at some of our recent games in his new
transport and we look forward to seeing Paul again in the new year.
On Saturday the 1st XV are at Halifax Vandals in the oft postponed first
round of the YRFU Silver Trophy. A mixed 2nd/3rd XV will also be at the
Vandals. The League Programme restarts on the 6th January when the 1st XV
are away at Wetherby.
For further details about joining the Club, please contact Recruitment
Officer, John Harrison on 01943 465450 or email
john.harrison@freeuk.com |