OLD Otliensians started the new season as they mean to go on, with a fantastic 27-14 away victory over Rotherham Phoenix.
It was a particularly special occasion for new fly half Sam Longfellow, who was making his first-team debut 60 years after his grandfather Gordon.
Remarkably, Gordon is still involved at Ensians, as he is the current club treasurer, meaning he was at the ground to celebrate Saturday's brilliant win with his grandson.
Having finished last season as undefeated champions of Yorkshire Four, the squad were in good spirits, but knew stepping up a division would be a challenge.
Yet they made the perfect start on Saturday, inside centre Jake Bentley scoring after a jinking run down the centre before converting the try himself.
Rotherham quickly hit back, levelling up after crossing the whitewash off the back of a rolling maul.
But Bentley edged Ensians back in front with a penalty, before they extended their advantage.
A great break from flanker Noel Gillson allowed the speedy Will Haworth to go close, and though he was denied, there was no stopping No.8 Jay Walsh from blasting his way over the line moments later from a maul.
Bentley’s conversion put the visitors 17-7 ahead, which is how the score remained at half-time.
Rotherham rolled up their sleeves and hit back in the second half, and they made the most of an attacking five-metre scrum, crossing the line for a converted try to reduce the deficit to only three points.
But a poor tackle with 10 minutes to go on Ensians’ young hooker Alex Gillson brought a yellow card for the Phoenix full back and gifted the visitors a penalty.
With Bentley nursing a dead leg at this point, Longfellow took the kick and slotted it through the posts to put Ensians 20-14 in front.
And in the dying seconds, Longfellow launched one last attack and set up flying winger Haworth to score, the fly half adding the extras to seal a fine win.
Ensians’ next game comes this Saturday at home to Thornensians.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here