OLD Otliensians 2nds lost 53-17 to Roundhegians 2nds in the Aire-Wharfe Cup Plate semi-final last Wednesday.

The opening five minutes looked very promising for ‘Ensians with John Offer making good yards and Matty Tenniswood taking play to the home side’s 22 with a super kick from a penalty, but hopes of an early score were quashed by ‘Hegians’ tight defence.

Roundhegians responded well, taking play back into the visitors’ half and their outside centre cut through to open the scoring at 5-0.

Straight from the kick-off, Rounhegians spun the ball wide down the line to their pacy left wing who scored in the corner taking the score to 10-0. In the next 25 minutes, Roundhegians scored two further tries, taking the score to 20-0 just before half-time.

'Ensians kept their heads held high and after winning a line-out, the ball ended up in the hands of Adam Peattie, who charged through to open the scoring for the visitors.

Five minutes of end to end rugby saw the Roundhegians' lock bustle his way over to close the first half scoring at 27-5.

Only minutes into the second half, the home side's big lock drove over to score his second try taking the scoreline to 34-5.

A super try-saving tackle from Offer (on a player twice his size) saw the tables briefly turn. Otliensians drove back with a great break from Conner Paley, off loaded to second row Jordan Lawrence, who went over for Ensians second try. 34:10

Roundhegian scoring a further three tries in the next 15 minutes, taking the scoreline to 53-10.

The visitors dug deep in the final minutes and after winning a scrum won against the head, scrum-half Alex Longstaff made an astute break to score a try, making the final score 53-17.

BEN RITSON