Old Otliensians 20 Baildon 17

OTLIENSIANS returned to winning ways in a close-fought derby clash at Chaffers Field on Saturday.

The former players lunch organised by Peter Tempest and Peter Swann swelled the crowd for an encounter which saw father and son Richard and Jack Smith paired together in the home-side's second row.

Otliensians made a quick start and went ahead in the fifth minute when top try scorer Declan Jackson scored in the corner after Greg Jones created an overlap.

Baildon responded to the setback with with a converted try by centre Hayden Lister after a break from Joe Moore as they established a 7-5 lead.

Will Foster made a great break which resulted in Ben Smith being tackled just short of the line. With Jack Smith showing up well in the line-out, Otliensians were winning good ball and the pressure they generated resulted in a penalty which Foster landed.

The rest of the first half belonged to the home team. A lovely move across the backs enabled Jackson to take on the Baildon defence before a good pass put Olly Eaves in for an unconverted try.

Eaves repaid the compliment a few minutes later as Jackson raced in for another fine try which was converted by Foster to make the score 20-7 at half-time.

Otliensians were on the front foot for the first 20 minutes of the second half but could not penetrate the resolute Baildon defence.

In their first foray of the half into home territory, Baildon took an Otliensians line-out and an excellent move across the backs resulted in a second converted try for Lister.

It was game on. The visitors, sensing a possible victory, attacked with renewed vigour. One of their attacks broke down with a knock on and shortly afterwards Josh Dyson relieved pressure with a touch kick from a loose ball.

Baildon continued to exert pressure. Strong work by all the home forwards prevented Baildon scoring the all important try but a penalty was conceded an converted by Baildon to close the score to 20-17 with five minutes plus injury time to play.

The last few minutes seemed interminable with Baildon attacking continually but the defence held firm.

The forwards led by Rob Arbuckle worked like Trojans and the tackling of the whole team was of the highest order. In one last throw of the dice Baildon were awarded a penalty wide out with one minute to go and the hitherto reliable Olly Waddington, hit the upright much to Otliensians relief and Baildon’s chagrin.