Otley selectors spoilt for choice (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley selectors spoilt for choice

10:39am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Otley’s rugby selectors are set for some tough choices when they sit down tonight to pick a side to face Sheffield Tigers on Saturday.

The Cross Greeners bounced back from their dismal 27-0 home defeat by Darlington Mowden Park with a hard-earned 15-13 win at Caldy last Saturday.

And now there are some interesting decisions to be made before the visit to Sheffield.

The key decision centres on the composition of the back row.

Last week a shoulder injury kept out number eight Rob Afoa Peterson so Otley opted to field a combination of Tom O’Donnell, Daniel Temm and Alex Ball.

Peterson is expected to be fit for Saturday and is competing for a place along with Jonathan Matthews who was on the bench last week.

The selectors also have to decide whether to continue with Ben Fairclough at stand off or restore Ben Cooper to the side.

They also hope to have prop Toby Williams in contention after illness.

Otley fielded half their first team squad in Tuesday night's 40-15 Yorkshire Cup win at Wharfedale.

Interim director of rugby Ryan Duckett  took the opportunity to give well-earned rests to skipper Adam Blades, Stephen Depledge, O'Donnell, Matt Stephens and Jack mackie. He also opted not to risk Williams or Afoa Peterson.

Duckett said: “We certainly have plenty to think about. I was delighted with the performance at Caldy because it was a gutsy display.

“We had to be patient and cope with playing on a real mudbath. We played in the right areas and it paid off.”