Duckett to continue his Otley role (From Wharfedale Observer)

Duckett to continue his Otley role despite landing a new job

11:11am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Otley’s interim director of rugby Ryan Duckett is to continue in the role despite landing a new job.

The former Bradford Bulls Chief Executive has been appointed as the new Director of Fundraising and Partnerships for Derbyshire Cricket.

He takes up his new post on Wednesday, but has been given approval to continue assisting Otley.

Duckett said: “I am delighted with the challenge of the new job which is working for a new partner- ship between the Derby- shire County Cricket Club and the Derbyshire Cricket Board.

“However, I am enjoying my role at Otley and will stay at least until the end of the season.”

Otley are currently pre- paring for their biggest challenge of the season – Saturday’s home clash with National League Two North leaders Stourbridge.

“We need to be at our best,” said Duckett. “We all know we were below par in our last home game when we lost 26-21 to Hull.

“We talked about that match in training this week and are anxious to perform much better this time.

“Stourbridge have only lost once this season so we know we have a real test on our hands.

“It is important that we are at our best on Saturday.”

The selectors have a number of interesting choices to make when they meet tonight.

Left winger James Wood is available again after recov- ering from a broken hand while second row Matt Stephens is available again.

Scrum half Steve Depledge and centre Jack Mackie were on the bench against Hull and could make the starting line up.

“It is not going to be easy, but it is nice to have choices to make.

“We have genuine comp- etition within the squad and that can only be a good things.

“It promises to be one of our toughest selection meet- ings of the season.”