Sheffield Medicals 13 Old Otliensians14

OTLIENSIANS had to show grit and determination to secure a narrow Yorkshire Three win.

The strong wind blowing straight down the pitch was in the home side's favour for the first half.

Medical made the most of the elements as they exerted early pressure which brought them an unconverted try from a line-out drive.

Only a last-ditch tackle from centre Luke Cowdell prevented a second try.

Otliensians were having problems in the line-outs but shunted the home pack back in the scrums.

Coach Kris Stafford's had his first start of the season lasted just 20 minutes, a clash of heads bringing his participation to an early end.

The visitors tried to get their backs moving but play was scrappy due in part to the rising gale and they had difficulty in combining the phases of play.

Sheffield had their moments and only a try-saving tackle prevented them from scoring from an interception.

In injury-time a further attack resulted in a penalty kick which was blown wide.

Sheffield led 5-0 at the break and the visitors knew they would be up against it in the second half.

This proved to be the case when the Sheffield kick-off was knocked on in the Otley 22.

The visitors' strong scrum saved the day. It was the dominance of their pack that enabled them to drive the home side back.

Otliensians were sensibly taking scrums instead of penalties and after 15 minutes Luke Cowdell scored a try which was converted despite the wind by Connor Bateman to establish a 7-5 lead.

Sheffield came back at Otliensians and they regained the lead with a penalty.

The decisive score came when Luke Cowdell broke three tackles as he ran powerfully for 30 metres while breaking three tackles.

Matt Taylor carried on the move and Paddy Phipps was on hand to score a fine try which was converted by Bateman.

The supporters thought this was enough to win but the young and fit Sheffield team had other ideas and came back strongly.

They were kept at bay by good defence on the visitors' line but with the last move of the game they crashed over for a try near the posts.

The conversion seemed to be going over until a big gust of wind blew the ball wide to give Otliensians the slenderest of wins.