MATCH REPORT

Old Otliensians 29 Baildon 7

‘OTLIENSIANS produced one of their best performances of the season to promotion-chasing Baildon at windy Chaffer’s.

They were quickly up to speed and Olly Eaves made a break after just two minutes before giving Connor Bateman the chance to outpace the defence to score an unconverted try wide out.

Baildon came back strongly through their pack but good defence kept them at bay with Will Cooper and Luke Cowdell to the fore.

After 17 minutes a fine kick by Will Cooper was chased hard by Josh Howarth who took play deep into the Baildon half.

Sam Featherstone was outstanding in the line-outs and Rob Lofthouse was tackled just short of the line after a quickly-taken penalty.

Otliensians extended their lead after 25 minutes when Matt Taylor made a great break before sending Bateman in for his second try.

Baildon constructed some nice moves but the home defence held firm.

Otliensians came back again and after Ieuan Cranswick beat three Baildon defenders the ball passed through eight pairs of hands for Rob Lofthouse to offload to Ross Nichols who powered over for a sublime try which was converted by Connor Bateman.

Again Baildon came back and after 34 minutes they scored a try from a line-out.

One minute later, Matt Taylor collected the ball from the loose and from 20 metres broke through three tackles to score the bonus point try which was converted by Bateman to make it 24-7.

The home team started the second half brightly with Cowdell making 30 metres and breaking numerous tackles before being bundled into touch.

However eight minutes the ball was opened out from a scrum just in the Baildon half and full back Kristian Keinhorst made the extra man before putting away Bateman from 40 metres out for his hat-trick.

It was to prove the only score of the half despite Otliensians being in the ascendancy for much of the time.

The home forwards played well and were pushing the Baildon forwards backwards in the scrums.

Baildon also had periods of attack but the home defence held firm with second row Jack Wilkinson tackling well. The game ended with Baildon camping on the home line for five minutes but unable to add to their score.

This was a most attractive game for the spectators with plenty of good forward work and fine open play from the backs.