Hough on target as Otley run riot (From Wharfedale Observer)

Hough on target as Otley run riot

9:50am Thursday 28th January 2010

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Otley 87 Manchester 3

There was never any doubt about a win for Otley or gaining the bonus point and as far as league position goes it was a non-event for everyone is taking full points from luckless Manchester.

However, they deserve some praise for continually putting out a side. For Otley it was more an opportunity to regain some confidence and to this end skipper Howard Parr, though still not match fit, made the starting line to put in a rousing and technically perfect second row display before retiring after 33 minutes to great acclaim with the bonus point secured.

The pack were in complete command, driving over twice from five metre line-outs, No 7 Chris Walker grounding on each occasion and going on to claim two more as the forwards joined in the reverie.

Also prominent were No 6 Joe Barker, crossing twice, and No 8 Ollie Stedman completed the back row contribution when picking up at the base of a scrum 22 metres out to make it to the line without having to search for support.

Ensuring that the front row was not to be left out prop Gareth Denman took a pass on the right wing to beat one defender and race the 30 metres to the corner for arguably the best try of the match.

Stylish fly-half Chris Georgiou began the rout after just four minutes when side-stepping neatly to go in at the posts, after the forwards had set up the opportunity.

Centre Ben Hough kicking the first of 11 conversions, four being from the touchline and he was to run in from half-way for a try on 22 minutes.

Winger James White completed the first-half scoring, finishing off a length of field move and Mark Kirkby got into the act, coming infield to slice through the middle.

Scrum-half Stephen Depledge got just reward for all his promptings, just beating the final whistle to go in at the corner.

Centre Richard Hopkinson, after striking the crossbar from 48 metres had more luck with a second penalty effort on 23 for Manchester’s only points.

Their only other threat was early in the second-half when, after securing a rare turnover, No 8 Richard Murray had a strong but unsuccessful burst for the line and when the ball was re-cycled there was the inevitable knock-on.

The stage is set for Saturday’s encounter with fellow strugglers Sedgley Park where ex-Otley stalwart Paul Williams and his side will be hoping to reverse the 36-29 defeat at Cross Green in October.

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