Old Otliensians 41 Halifax 21

OTLIENSIANS had to weather a spirited second-half fightback by their opponents to secure a Yorkshire Three victory at wet and windy Chaffer's Field on Saturday.

The home side had the advantage of the elements in the first half and they went ahead when Luke Freer, playing scrum half in the absence of the injured Rob Lofthouse, scored the first try from a smartly taken penalty. Connor Bateman added the conversion

Otliensians were straight back on the attack after Rob Arbuckle secured the restart. Skipper Sam Featherstone took the ball on before releasing Olly Eaves who scored a superb try after swapping passes with Josh Howarth. Bateman's conversion extended the lead to 14-0.

Halifax, whose scrum looked solid, were testing the home defence without being able to find a way through.

Otliensians ran in their third try when Eaves kicked cleverly and created the chance for Bateman to race clear for a try which he was unable to convert.

Bateman kicked a penalty to make it 22-0 at half-time, but there were concerns that it might not be sufficient an advantage when Halifax had the elements in their favour.

The opening of the second half may have calmed some nerves when Cowdell scored a try after a muddled period of play and Bateman tagged on the conversion.

Halifax, well directed by their stand off, were far from dead and buried. They scored two converted tries in six minutes to reduce the deficit to 29-14.

A great run by Arbuckle relieved the pressure temporarily, but Halifax again stunned their rivals by scoring a third converted try to cut the lead to eight points.

Even though the visitors still had to score twice it was game on with the home supporters now chewing their finger nails.

Otliensians had to soak up more pressure but their magnificent defence and outstanding line-out work from Featherstone proved decisive.

One of the teams had to crack and with seven minutes to go, Otliensians made the game safe.

Winning the ball from a scrum deep inside their own half, Otliensians fashioned a fine try. Bateman outpaced the defence and took on the full back before passing to Eaves who went over for a sublime try between the posts which Bateman converted.

Halifax noticeably tired and prop Greg Jones came out of a ruck with the ball and ran 25 metres through the defence to complete the scoring with a try.