Leeds Modernians32 Old Otliensians 12

OTLIENSIANS saw a half-time lead evaporate as their Yorkshire Three rivals scored 25 unanswered points in the second half to secure a comfortable victory.

Three tries, two conversions and two penalties took the game away from Otliensians when the home side were playing up the slope.

’Ensians had to weather a spell of pressure at the start of the game before they opened the scoring after 18 minutes.

Sam Featherstone gained quick line-out ball which was opened out by the backs to create a try for Matt Taylor who powered through four tackles to score a try between the posts which Will Cooper converted.

Mods responded with some strong running which was only halted when Ollie Eaves saved the day with a fine tackle.

Despite good scrummaging against a heavier pack, 'Ensians were up against it and a powerful move by the home team resulted in a converted try on the half hour.

'Ensians came back when good line-out ball from Ali Cooper was followed by some good phase play featuring James Smith, Chris Westland and Eaves.

The visitors regained the lead when they won a scrum against the head and drove Modernians backwards. Stand-off Will Cooper took the ball back into the forwards who drove powerfully for Ali Campbell, returning from a long spell of injury, to score an unconverted try.

'Ensians had a 12-7 lead and must have fancied their chances as they had the advantage of the slope in the second half.

Mods were in no mood to allow their opponents to take control and made a strong start to the second half. Connor Bateman and Taylor made try-saving tackles before Will Cooper made a fine break down the slope but lacked support.

Mods reduced the lead to two point from a penalty awarded for scored a fine 40 metre penalty for a scrum offence.

Debutant Doug Elgar came on as a substitute and immediately made his presence felt with a textbook tackle to save a certain try.

Mods seized the initiative during a purple ten-minute patch which saw them score a penalty and two converted tries with good strong open play and excellent goal.

Finding themselves 27-12 down, 'Ensians regrouped. Their attack pressured the Mods line for some minutes but could not break through.

In the closing minutes Mods came back up the slope and moved the ball to score a try despite a desperate tackle by Rob Lofthouse.