Late Twomey try brings Otley draw (From Wharfedale Observer)

Late James Twomey try brings Otley draw

4:41pm Sunday 13th January 2013 in Sport By John Finch

Bromsgrove 24, Otley 24

Otley's interim director of rugby Ryan Duckett was delighted with the application shown by his players who were up against a side completely at home with the sticky underfoot conditions and adept at ball retention, which ensured Otley had few attacking possibilities.

Happily they were able to create enough to come away with three points to maintain their position in SSE National League Two North, and do it in their inimitable style.

Having early scrummage advantage, Bromsgrove had Otley reduced to defending but a turnover on eight minutes gave lock Matt Stephens the chance to break through the middle and feed James Twomey, who raced in from 40 metres.

The restart safely secured, the ball went quickly out to the left wing, where youngster Oliver Cicognini had the legs to outpace the cover, fly half William McGee, part of a new, successful, half-back combination with Kirk Arundale, converting.

Sticking to their game-plan, however, Bromsgrove began to prosper.

Full back Oliver Bache came up to put winger Jack Wardle over, No 10 Jon Critchlow converting and then adding a penalty.

After the break, Wardle turned provider, flanker David Hughes being the recipient, and the winger grabbed a second try chasing a kick ahead, Critchlow converting each.

Nevertheless, Otley’s patient approach bore fruit when Ben Steele dived in at the corner, bringing out a fine conversion from McGee, and in the final moments a kick out of their 22 was successfully chased and booted further ahead, Twomey winning the race to touch down.