OLD Otliensians were able to play their final league match at York after having been previously postponed on three occasions due to a waterlogged pitch.

Even this game had to be moved to the York R .I. ground at Acomb.

On a cold Saturday afternoon 'Ensians played the first half up a slight slope against a very strong wind. They opened with the forwards and backs combining to push into the York half, but handling was tricky due to the wind.

When the home team used this to clear their lines, Will Cooper was sound at fullback. York held firm for the first 15 minutes before Noel Gillson broke through to score an unconverted try five minutes later a great long pass from stand-off Olly Eaves reached Will Howarth on the wing who outpaced the defence to score a converted by Will Cooper.

This fine pattern of play with the forwards gaining possession and opening out to the speedy backs resulted in scoring five more tries in the half, the additional scorers being Noel Gillson (2nd try), Will Howarth (2nd try), Luke Cowdell (two tries) and Jay Walsh; two being converted by Will Cooper. This made a half-time score of 41-0.

With the wind the visitors continued with their open expansive play, but the York team never gave up and their big forwards kept the ball close whenever possible. However, the front row of Luke Exley and Mike Groves with hooker Alex Gillson controlled their opposite numbers to take charge of the scrums.

Tries were inevitable, with the scorers being Will Howarth for his hat trick, Jake Bentley, Nathan Jones after a fine 30 metre sprint and a second for Jay Walsh.

One was converted by Will Cooper and one by Spencer Wood to make a final score of 65-0.

This was probably the best team performance for the blues this season, but they will need a repeat when they play Hornsea at home on the April 6.

In a one-off game, the winner takes the prize of promotion to Yorkshire League 3.