Yorkshire Division Three: Old Otliensians 46 Harrogate Pythons 19

A SOLID Old Otliensians squad performance showcased defence, turnover work and counter attack.

Visitors Harrogate Pythons, who have had their moments in the past against 'Ensians, were given a tough day at the office, and the chief disappointment for the home side was that, after establishing a half-time, bonus-point lead of 24-0, concentration dipped and Pythons posted 19 points in the second session.

The visitors controlled possession and field position for the first ten minutes, but 'Ensians tackled well, frustrated them and then discovered possession.

Pressure in Harrogate’s 22 gave Luke Cowdell the chance to power in unopposed between the posts, Connor Bateman making no mistake with the conversion.

From the kick-off, 'Ensians secured the ball, gave away a penalty and then turned the ball over, a slick passing giving Ollie Eaves a run to the left-hand corner.

Bateman was short with the conversion but he was the next to score, more turnover ball and good handling putting him into space for a third try.

More coughed up possession by Pythons gave winger Bateman the chance to show his paces again before half-time, and he ran in under the posts, converting to make it 24-0, with the bonus point in the bag.

However, the visitors played with more purpose in the second half and scored a try by a winger in the corner, which was converted.

'Ensians needed to re-establish themselves, which they did via a Bateman penalty and a try by centre Ieuan Cranswick close to the posts.

Bateman surprisingly missed the conversion but made amends by converting fly half Will Cooper's try and, superbly improving Nick Keinhorst's try.

However, Pythons had the last words with tries in the 75th and 80th minutes, one of which was converted.