Shortage of players is Thorny problem for Otliensians

OTLIENSIANS were up against it even before the game started against promotion favourites Thornensians at Thorne.

Due to injuries and non-availabilities only 15 players were able to travel and when one of these failed to arrive, veteran Richard Crossley, who was there as a touch judge, bravely volunteered to play.

Thornensians went straight on the attack and went ahead with a converted try in the sixth minute.

The early pressure from Thornensians brought two more tries as they stretched their lead to 19-0.

Otliensians went close to scoring when Kristian Keinhorst’s chip ahead just evaded the chasing Connor Bateman.

The visitors did open their account after 24 minutes when Olly Eaves outpaced the defence to score an unconverted try.

Thornensians ran in an unconverted try to make it 24-5 at the break, but Otliensians were battling hard despite struggling to contain the heavy home pack.

A converted try at the start of the second half for Thornensians was coupled with a setback for Otliensians when Michael Philpott suffered a knee injury and it meant his side had to play with 14 men.

Otliensians were rewarded for their determined efforts when Nick Keinhorst scored a try after an interception.

Thornensians ran in two converted tries before the visitors again responded with an interception try by Bateman who also added the conversion.

Otliensians battled hard but as their 14 men tired they conceded two more converted tries.