OLD Otliensians Colts, who have an important part to play in the overall rugby strategy of the town, play their first home game on Sunday against Moortown B (1.00).

The team has been formed on the back of co-operation between Otley RUFC (particularly via Howard Hickling and Nick Girling), Old Otliensians RUFC (via Pete Tempest and Steve Robinson) and Prince Henry's Grammar School (via coach Chris Smith), where partnerships have been developed from the fund-raising Boxing Day game at Cross Green.

Smith said: "Howard had a vision for an Otley Junior Pathway which would allow young players in Otley a route all the way from mini-rugby to the senior game, either in Yorkshire Division Two at Otliensians, the national leagues with Otley or social rugby at either club.

"After both club committees agreed to the idea of a joint colts side (under-16s, 17s and 18s) and seeing the benefits of keeping young players within the town, we are having a one-year trial to see how it goes.

"We currently have 19 players registered, with several others set to join – exciting times!"

Coaching of the new side has been provided by first XV coaches at Otliensians, led by Oli Eaves and Harrison Marshall, with Smith as manager, while there has also been intermittent coaching input from Otley's first XV players.

This is reflected in the new kit, which has both club's badges and colours and has been paid for by sponsorship from local companies.

Smith added: "Any under-16, under-17 or under-18 players wishing to join can contact me on ce.smith@princehenrys.co.uk or come and watch a game to see if they want to get involved."