Depleted Otley are handed a mauling (From Wharfedale Observer)

Depleted Otley are handed a mauling

7:00pm Sunday 21st October 2012 in Sport By John Finch

Stourbridge 68, Otley 10

Otley were given a severe mauling at Stourbridge, who are sitting at the top of SSE National League Two North with the highest number of points scored and the least conceded.

Starting without six regulars was enough of a handicap for the visitors but they went on to lose skipper and prop Adam Blades for half of the game with a head wound when they were already having all the trouble they needed against a big pack who were more than ready to take on allcomers.

The home backs, if not having Otley’s dexterity, were also fearsome runners and made the most of their opportunities.

The home side were soon ahead with a penalty goal from fly half Caolan Ryan and a penalty at the re-start had Otley back in their 22, where a well-executed rolling maul led to a try for No 8 Drew Harper, Ryan converting.

Following a second Ryan penalty, Otley demonstrated their flexibility with the ball, getting into the home 22 but a turnover saw the ball shipped out to winger James Hearn, who raced to the line.

However, Otley continued to move the ball well, gaining a penalty which was kicked by Stephen Depledge.

Before the break, Hearn bagged a second try and Ryan a penalty before kicking a third soon after the turnar round.

Winger Nathan Brassington and replacement lock Ejiki Uzoigwe then added tries before Otley responded.

A chip from Tom Rock was seized by flanker Luke Watts to score, replacement Chris Gemmell converting.

Unable to hold an unremitting barrage, however, Otley conceded four further tries, Ryan finishing with seven conversions.