Otley's youngsters have a spring in their step (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley's youngsters have a spring in their step

7:00am Thursday 30th August 2012 in Sport By John Finch

Otley 30 Rossendale 7
Otley completed their pre-season preparation with another comfortable win over National Three North opposition on Saturday.

The Cross Greeners chose to give their new youngsters a good run out and despite being hampered by a greasy ball, they performed well.

The Otley side looked good in attack and terrier-like in defence, allowing Rossendale just one try when a high speculative kick ahead bounced favourably and scrum-half Jamie Albiston went over for fly-half Stephen Nutt to convert.

This was to level the score after 15 minutes. James Twomey had already opened the scoring in the third minute with a fine try which Ben Collins converted.

A straight 25-metre penalty chance provided Collins the opportunity to restore Otley’s lead, before Twomey strolled in for his second try after some powerful driving and rucking by the forwards.

Three minutes into the second-half full-back Nick Coupland came up at speed to slice through for a try which Collings again converted. H

is second penalty extended the lead.Otley were now switching personnel and positions with regularity, but retained their adventurous approach.

On the few occasions that Rossendale threatened, Otley managed to clear the danger.Otley had the last word when back-row Fred Watson went in for a try with three minutes remaining.

They start the serious business on Saturday with a National League Two North visit to newly-promoted Dudley Kingswinford.

Even though Christian Georgiou and Curtis Wilson have moved to Wharfedale and scrum-half James Munro has also left, the side does retain a familiar look from last season with notable additions.

Steve Depledge returns from Fylde to take his place and his half-back partner will be Scotland under-18 international Ben Cooper, who has already shown his prowess. They will be challenged by Indonesian international Kirk Arundale, returning from Ilkley and USA under-20s captain Will Magie.

Chris Gemmell, brother of Mark, is a former England under-16 international who is at home either at full-back or on the wing.Ben Fairclough, a Wheatley Hills product, can play full back or centre.

Andy Lowden, ex Manchester and former Otley colt Ben Crossley will be battling for the centre spots.

Two props, Louis Hooper and Will Rigg graduate to the squad as do hookers Henry Walker, son of former director of rugny Gary and Luke Cole who is with Leeds Academy.Back rowers Fred Watson and Ross Bannatyne return from university and they are joined by Dan Young ,another Academy player and confirmation is imminent for one or two more.