Otley youngsters succumb to experienced Exiles (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley youngsters succumb to experienced Exiles

11:17pm Friday 20th November 2009

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London Scottish 37, Otley 14

National League One Otley travelled down to London to take on the ambitious, well-funded and experienced Exiles, who featured the well-travelled Paul Volley at No 6 and Simon Amor, of England Sevens fame, at scrum half, having to make a number of changes.

Ben Hough made a timely return from injury to replace the unavailable James White and there were debuts for Fred Watson at No 6, allowing Joe Quinn to move up to fill a second row vacancy, and Simon Brown at fly half.

James Murray took a turn on the bench to sit alongside the returning Sam Gardner.

Otley made an excellent start, scoring two superb tries and held the lead until the stroke of half-time but were unable to cope with their host’s well-organised second-half strategy.

There was an early set-back when full-back Frank Neale, who kicked splendidly throughout in the squally wind, had success with his first penalty chance after just four minutes but Otley went straight back to take the lead. No 7 Chris Walker finished off a fine move for Brown to convert.

Neale was quickly back with a second penalty but the lead was extended when an attack started from deep and saw right winger Ollie Denton cut inside and put opposite winger Mark Kirkby away, going in under the posts to give Brown a simple conversion.

London Scottish made inroads into the lead when Neale came into the line to find a gap and although exerting great pressure it was three minutes into added first-half time when centre Ian McInroy found a way through, Neale converting to secure a four point advantage.

Otley defended manfully after the break but the hosts contrived to score three more tries, the first, on 51 minutes, came from winger David Howells who went in at the corner, drawing a fine conversion from his fly-half.

The bonus point was secured on 71 minutes when centre Gary Trueman completed a strong run.

The final whistle came just too late for Otley, Howells collecting a second try which Neale duly converted to present a score which did not reflect Otley’s contribution to the game.

They have a blank Saturday this week, enabling them to prepare for the visit of leaders Esher seven days later.

* Centre Joel Gill was named as Korks player-of-the-month for October. The award, voted for by the players, means that Joel will enjoy a meal for two at Korks Wine Bar in Otley.

Joel has had a great start to the season with some good performances and played a crucial role in the win over Cambridge. Joel continues the proud family tradition, as his father Stuart played, first for the colts and then the senior club in the 1980s.

The excellent bonfire and fireworks display held at the club has given the under-13s a boost in fund raising for their tour to Italy next year.

A crowd of around 600 gathered at Cross Green to see the only organised firework display in town.

The bonfire was lit at 6pm and the rain did nothing to dampen spirits, with the countdown to the firework display, starting an hour later, after the pie and pea supper.

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