Bramley Phoenix 5 Old Otliensians 27

OTLIENSIANS gained revenge for the two defeats they suffered at the hands of Phoenix last season as they maintained their 100 per-cent start to the new season.

The visitors started brightly with their front row of Gregg Jones, John Offer and Simon Hill dominating their opponents and it was clear the scrum was going to be a good platform.

The first try came when Kristian Keinhorst's clever kick was collected by centre Luke Freer who went into the corner.

Bramley were using their big forwards and slick backs well. Solid defence from the back rowers Oliver Cooper and Sam Featherstone and centres Luke Freer and Chris Westland kept Bramley from making too many yards.

Both defences held firm until midway through the half. Hill peeled off the back of a maul and bulldozed his way over the line carrying the Bramley full back with him.

Otliensians had to reshuffle when Ollie Eaves suffered a dead leg. Freer went to stand-off with speedy prop Michael Groves moved into the backs.

For the last part of the half, it was Bramley’s turn to put the visitors under pressure but Otliensians defended well and preserved their 10-0 lead.

The second half started much as the first had finished until slick handling from Jones and Freer set Rob Arbuckle free. He drew the defenders and put Luke Cowdell into space for a try which Keinhorst converted.

A well-worked attack saw Bramley open their account with a try before Otliensians suffered another injury blow. Freer pulled a hamstring so Keinhorst became their third stand off of the game wit Cowdell switching to full back and flanker Cooper going to the wing.

The change didn't disturb the rhythm of the side and another perfectly-weighted kick from Keinhorst sat up perfectly for winger Will Howarth to score. Keinhorst added the conversion.

Keinhorst's clever prompting kept Otliensians on the front foot and Bramley, as they became frustrated, started to give away penalties. Keinhorst slotted one to extend the lead to 27-5.

The win sets up Otliensians for Saturday's home game against Goole at Chaffers Field. They were relegated last season and also have an unbeaten record.