Otley thwarted as Lions roar back to victory (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley thwarted as Lions roar back to victory

5:00pm Sunday 3rd March 2013 in Sport By John Finch

Leicester Lions 43 Otley 31

A tremendous start by Otley saw the bonus point secured and a half-time 24-10 lead but they were not prepared for the fightback by the Lions on resumption, which saw them snatch the spoils.

The Cross Greeners were also guilty of messing up a golden opportunity to level just before the end.

The home side took a battering for the first three minutes before securing a turnover which was kicked into Otley territory, where a penalty was conceded and centre Jonathan Bolin put the hosts ahead.

However, Otley secured the restart and adept passing saw No 8 Robert Afao-Peterson over.

A penalty into the corner then set up a drive, No 7 Jonathan Matthews grounding and, four minutes later, James Twomey appeared on his opposite wing to go over, centre Chris Gemmell converting.

Lions responded by ruining an Otley scrum under the posts, No 8 Jack Gibbons crashing over for an easy conversion as Boden added the extras.

But they were soon back under pressure as scrum half Tom Spence found himself yellow-carded. Advantage was taken by Otley, Twomey (pictured) going in for a second try – his 20th so far to top the league list – Gemmell striking a fine conversion.

It took just four minutes into the second half for Lions to strike, a penalty setting up a drive for prop Tom Williams to score, followed by a try from winger Gareth Collins.

The sin binning of Afao-Peterson did not help, No 7 Tom Morris claiming a brace of tries in his absence.

Otley regrouped as Stephen Depledge found a gap to race over from 35 metres out but they were caught out right on the buzzer when Williams broke away from a drive to score, Boden kicking his fourth second-half conversion.