Aireborough 15 Old Otliensians 10

A LATE try earned Aireborough victory in a closely-fought Yorkshire Three derby at Nunroyd Park.

It was the home side's greater desire to win that saw them take the spoils on a chilly afternoon.

The first 20 minutes proved to be a hard tussle between the two packs around the centre of the pitch.

Ali Cooper was prominent in the line-outs and Jim Dyson’s tackling was of the highest order.

Otliensians then made a few forays into the home 22.

Kristian Keinhorst made a neat drive forward before kicking ahead for Connor Bateman who was beaten to the ball by the home full back.

A minute or so later, Lee O’Donnell had a telling run into Aireborough territory, but the home side dominated the rest of the half.

However the rest of the half belonged to the visitors. A long kick across the pitch by Luke Cowdell was caught by Connor Bateman but he was adjudged offside with the line beckoning.

Two minutes before the break, O’Donnell was again leading the attack and Ross Nichols broke through the defence but the final pass went astray.

However the ’Ensians pressure told with Luke Cowdell scoring a penalty goal to establish a 3-0 half-time lead.

The second half opened with the home team in the ascendency but despite stout defence the visitors conceded a penalty goal after 11 minutes to tie the score at three points each.

Play went from end to end but after 20 minutes Aireborough’s heavy pack pushed the visitors back over the line to force a penalty try which was converted for a 10-3 lead.

Despite this the visitors were spending time in the home half and a neat chip ahead by Chris Westland caused some disarray in the home defence.

Otliensians hit back when the ball was passed out for Rob Arbuckle to score wide out and a brilliant conversion by Kristian Keinhorst levelled the scores.

The visitors continued to move forward; Olly Eaves was just short and a good run by Will Bowie made good ground.

When a draw seemed likely Aireborough made one final attack and their strong pack forced their way over to score an unconverted try.