Otley 7 Yorkshire Carnegie 27

OTLEY were defeated by a youthful Yorkshire Carnegie side in their first pre-season outing at Cross Green.

The first 40 minutes was nearly all played in Otley’s half and despite conceding penalties, the home side’s defence initially held firm. Otley were conceding too many penalties for the referee's liking which resulted in a yellow card for a high tackle by Tom Casson. Carnegie consistently put the ball into the left-hand corner and were rewarded after 15 minutes when prop Charlie Gibbings was driven over after a line-out.

Try as they might, the visitors could not increase their lead. Otley came forward in the dying minutes of the first half, and some effective phase play from the impressive Otley pack saw them into the visitor's 22.

This was followed by great interaction by the Otley backs which saw Joe Graham go over for a try which Ben Smith converted to give the home side a 7-5 half-time lead..

The interval saw benches being emptied, and both sides started to play with more fluency.

Carnegie regained the lead after 57 minutes when winger Joe Gatus ran down the right wing, the ball then being moved across the pitch allowing Canadian international winger Dan Moore to go over in the corner.

Five minutes later, when Otley were down to 13 for two technical offences, Ewan McQuillin powered his way over.

Otley responded with some impressive play and delighted their supporters with their enterprise.

New signing Ben McGee from Ilkley almost found himself in space on a several occasions, as did centre Steve Nolson.

Carnegie scored their fourth when try when Jerry Turugabeci split Otley’s defence on the 10-metre line and had an easy run in. Sam Allan added the conversion.

Then in the dying minutes Carnegie took a quick tap penalty in Otley’s 22, moving the ball wide for Tom Mann to touch down in the scoreboard corner.