Old Otliensians 31 Knottingley 19

OTLIENSIANS followed up their hard-earned Aire-Wharfe Cup final win over Ilkley by winning their Yorkshire Silver Trophy semi-final at Chaffers Field on Saturday.

They overcame a Knottingley side who had beaten them twice in Yorkshire Three this season to secure their place in the final against Skipton at Bradford Salem next Wednesday.

The home team found conditions to their liking and took the lead after seven minutes when quick ball from a scrum near the Knottingley line resulted in a neat try by Luke Cowdell which was converted by Will Cooper.

All the play was in the visitors' 22 with Jack Smith and Paddy Phipps dominant in the forwards.

The Knottingley defence was holding up well but after 22 minutes just could not contain a sublime 'Ensians move of numerous phases.

The ball passed through countless pairs of hands before a long pass from Olly Eaves enabled Chris Westland to crash over for an unconverted try.

This pace could not be maintained and after 26 minutes Knottingley No.8 Sean Simpson created an overlap for his winger to score an unconverted try.

They continued to be dominant and a converted try brought them level at 12-12.

The first ten minutes of the second half belonged to the visitors and they went ahead with a converted try from a quickly-taken penalty.

Otliensians regained their composure with Rob Arbuckle, Cowdell and Eaves prominent.

Knottingley's resolute defence meant they were still leading as the match entered its final ten minutes.

The growing pressure took its toll and when the Knottingley scrum was put under pressure on their own line an Arbuckle was credited with the push over try. Cooper's conversion levelled the scores.

As play entered into injury time Otliensians were awarded a penalty, kicked beautifully into touch by Cooper.

Sam Featherstone took a superb line-out ball and the whole pack helped by the big lads Wakeford, Arbuckle and Lee O'Donnell drove the Knottingley pack backwards for John Offer to score a decisive try converted by Cooper to give the home team the lead.

Knottingley were not beaten yet and their final attack was repulsed before Otliensians scored an identical try through Offer after Doug Elgar won the line-out.