AIREBOROUGH's first XV beat Old Otliensians 2nds 41-7 in the first round of the Aire-Wharfe Cup on a cold and wet night at Nunroyd Park last Wednesday.

With no referee arriving, the kick-off was delayed causing the game to drag on well into dusk.

‘Ensians’ coach Harrison Marshall initially stepped in as temporary referee with Aireborough officials coaxing one of their members away from his evening meal to take over 20 minutes later.

‘Ensians faced a much younger and better-organised Aireborough 1st XV and, despite a lovely try 15 minutes into the game as Rob Lofthouse sliced his way through, the visitors could not stem the constant attack from Aireborough, who moved the ball well.

The scrums were well-matched, but poor handling in the backs plagued both teams throughout the game.

The first half was tightly contested and finished at 15-7 in the home side’s favour.

With youth and experience on their side, Aireborough steadily increased their lead in the second half adding a further 26 points taking the score to 41-7 at full-time.