Aireborough 22 Old Otliensians 43

OTLIENSIANS produced a fast start as they secured their place in the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy at Nunroyd Park

It took the visitors just three minutes to open the scoring against their Yorkshire Three rivals. A neat kick by Will Cooper resulted in Olly Eaves scoring an unconverted try in the corner

The high tempo continued and the lead was extended after ten minutes when Alex Murphy collected an Aireborough kick ahead, made a break, and with a clever switch of direction passed to Luke Cowdell who scored a try that was converted by Cooper.

'Ensians continued to attack and from a line-out taken by Jack Smith from an Aireborough throw, the ball was moved across the backs for winger Josh Howarth to score wide out to make it 17-0 after 20 minutes.

Aireborough were in no mood to throw in the towel and hit back with a converted try after a spell of heavy pressure.

A penalty goal gave Aireborough a further boost before Alex Murphy scored a fine try on the overlap after a good break by Cooper to establish a 22-10 half-time lead.

The visitors made a good start to the second half with a great tackle by scrum half Rob Lofthouse on his opposite number as the ball came out of the scrum.

Aireborough continued to test the visitors’ defence in which Chris Westland made a number of key tackles.

When the pressure was finally released, Josh Howarth made a good run which led to the five-metre scrum which led to a try from Rob Arbuckle. Cooper added the extras.

The lead was extended when Jack Smith cashed in on good work by the forwards to go over for a try.

This was followed by an impressive team try, triggered by a great run by Olly Eaves and finished off with a neat back pass from Lofthouse to Cowdell who scored. Cooper converted both tries.

Aireborough were not to be outdone and fought back bravely to score two tries one converted in the last ten minutes with some enterprising open play.

'Ensians now have to wait to see who they will be at home to in the semi-final on April 29 as Knottingley and Leeds Corinthians don’t play their quarter-final until Wednesday, April 5.