Comment

Otley Zebras U-14s 26 Harrogate U-14s 7

Against an excellent Harrogate side in a free-flowing and entertaining match, played before a large crowd, both sides produced rugby of a very high quality. It was certainly a great advertisement for the burgeoning talent at both clubs, that bodes well for the future.

Otley kicked-off and immediately began to pressure the Harrogate line with formidable forward power and slick handling moves in the backs.

Harrogate responded with tenacious rucking and well directed midfield defence as the game settled in to a pattern of Otley offence and Harrogate defence in the Harrogate 22 metre zone. As Otley produced continual attacks, Harrogate countered with good out of hands kicking and a couple of long range break outs from their own line but it was only a matter of time before the breach would occur.

This happened following a close range set penalty move which was beautifully executed for Coric to score and Copsey to add the conversion.

Harrogate having soaked up the continuous barrage appeared content with a 7-0 half-time deficit but Otley knew that having played in many such encounters, in the end the energy sapping defensive work always catches up with a team as the game approaches it conclusion, and so it proved once again in this final.

The pattern continued for the first phases of the second-half with the Otley eight on the offensive and the Harrogate pack continuing with their counter rucking game.

However, early pressure told and Fradgley scored for Otley following excellent hands by most of the team for the 12-0 lead.

Harrogate came back immediately and began to spin the ball wide from their own defensive positions to good effect, chasing the scores that would bring them back in to the game.

From one such move the dangerous Harrogate centre broke free and produced a superb 60 metre run to the line for a deserved score, with the conversion the deficit was reduced to 12-7 with the prospect of a grandstand finish.

However, Otley soon dashed any rekindled Harrogate hopes as they regained their stranglehold on the game, offering penetrating running lines in the backs and continuing to dominate the set phase play.

From an infringement the Otley team set up another set penalty move, this time opting for their decoy version and spinning the ball wide for Cicognini to sprint in for the try, with Copsey again successful the lead was extended to 19-7.

Otley continued the onslaught, and finished the game with the ultimate team try scored from their own half with the powerful break being made, followed by offloading and support of the highest order from backs and forwards alike.

Louis Cooper finished expertly at the posts for Copsey to convert for the winning margin of 26-7. Both sides contributed equally to provide a spectacle that was worthy of a Yorkshire Cup final and both clubs should be proud of their spirit and skill.

11:34am Thursday 17th April 2008

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