Rock wants Otley to end slump (From Ilkley Gazette)

Rock wants Otley to end slump as key forwards prepare to return

7:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Otley hope to have two of their most influential forwards back as they bid to end a run of three-successive defeats at Darlington Mowden Park on Saturday.

Prop Toby Williams and flanker Jonathan Matthews were both absentees for the 27-23 home loss to Leicester Lions, but they are expected to return for the National League Two North clash.

Williams has been troubled by an ankle injury, while Matthews missed the Leicester game through illness.

Coach Tom Rock said: “Both of them have been playing well. Toby always gets us going forward with his strong ball carrying, while Jonathan has been one of our best footballers.

“It is remarkable to think that he is a hooker by trade, but he has played very well in the back row.”

The Scotland under-20 squad member is expected to slot in alongside Rob Afoa Petersen and Daniel Temm who both came back into the team against Leicester.

“We need to get out of this losing run,” said Rock. “We are working hard and are deter- mined to turn things around.”