OLD Otliensians, looking finish a tough season on a high, lost 37-14 to Wath-Upon- Dearne in the final home game of a season at Chaffer’s Field.
‘Ensians started ferociously, taking Wath by surprise, and they took an early lead.
Good running by winger Matthew Peattie, a clever off-load by Paddy Phipps and a strong burst to the line by Matthew Taylor saw 'Ensians storm ahead 7-0.
Wath’s reply was equally strong, pushing ‘Ensians back deep into their own 22 and answered with a try of their own to cut the lead to 7-5 with 15 minutes gone.
Wath pressure continued, with ‘Ensians struggling to find any sort of footing in the game.
However, the home side stayed ahead after Wath missed a penalty.
‘Ensians remained defiant, stubbornly preventing Wath from crossing the whitewash - a try-saving tackle by full-back Ronan Maloney meant that ‘Ensians kept their lead past the 25-minute mark.
However, Wath eventually took the lead, as they rode their dominant scrum straight to the line and for their second try.
Just before half-time, tensions began to rise as the game became niggly. The scenes led to a double-yellow card, but both teams were able to put any ill-feeling behind them and carry on with the game.
The game continued in the same vain – heavy Wath pressure, and soon the visitors had once again ridden their dominant scrummaging straight to their fourth try, and a 20-7 lead going into the second half.
‘Ensians needed something to get going – and it was Maloney who delivered.
Fancy footwork, fantastic wide running and a quick dish to fly half Will Cooper got ‘Ensians across the line for the second time.
With the score at 20-14, ‘Ensians were back in business.
However, Wath quickly answered back for the second time in the game, making the score 27-14.
From there, things began to fall apart for ‘Ensians – as they allowed Wath to cross the line twice more, with the game finishing at 37-14.
Unfortunately, the last game on Chaffer’s Field this season was a loss, but ‘Ensians will no doubt re-group over summer and will be ready to go again next season.
TIERNAN PHIPPS
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