Old Otliensians 8 Leeds Modernians 16

AFTER a tough 24-14 victory over a strong West Leeds 2nd XV in the Aire-Wharfe Cup on Wednesday and not much to play for in the league, it was always going to be a tough ask for Otliensians to pull off a result against a Mods side keen to avenge a home defeat earlier in the season.

Otliensians made a bright start putting early pressure on the Modernians defence.

The home scrum was solid with the front row of Josh Dyson, Greg Jones and Josh Phipps performing well. The line-out also functioned effectively despite prop Dyson having to throw in due to the lack of a regular hooker.

The early pressure told and Mods were penalised at the breakdown and Kristian Keinhorst slotted the goal for a 3-0 lead after ten minutes.

Both defences looked solid and it was from a penalty that the visitors drew level.

Despite good running from the back row of Luke Cowdell, Sam Featherstone and Rob Arbuckle and centres Ollie Eaves and Chris Westland tested the Mods defence.

Otliensians were being repeatedly punished at the breakdown which repeatedly halted their advances.

Their cause was further hampered by yellow cards handed out to Arbuckle and Keinhorst.

Arbuckle's period in the sin bin passed without Modernians being able to take advantage as Otliensians defended well. It meant the first half ended with the score 3-3.

Just before Keinhorst returned, Mods made their numbers count with a 44th minute try. A penalty extended their lead to 11-3.

The home side went on the attack with Keinhorst kicking neatly at stand off and Eaves and Luke Freer linking well in the centres.

Westland and Nick Keinhorst were making ground on the wings with great support from the forwards. Unfortunately the pressure didn't lead to any points.

A breakdown penalty gave Mods good attacking position and using there big forwards powered over the line.

Ross Nichols replaced Ali Campbell in the second Row and made an immediate impact with some good carries.

Arbuckle was rampaging and Jones, Phipps and Dyson were making good carries. The home side really pressured the Mods defence but couldn't break them down until the 72nd minute when great defensive pressure allowed Freer to pounce on a loose pass and score.

Hard as they tried, Otliensians could not close the gap further and missed out on a losing bonus point.