Otley Match Report

The big Lions forwards were a menace from the start, and with the help of Devon Constant, they captured the kick-off to put Otley on the back foot and kept up the pressure. After eight minutes they made space for winger, Luke Veebel to power over in the corner.

Coming into the game, Otley made breaks but there was no score until a penalty chance on the half hour. Just outside the visitors’ 22, Lions flanker Drew Rudkin picked up a yellow card and five minutes later Otley scored. Otley added a second penalty just before half time, making the score 11-5 to Otley.

Otley again got a successful penalty just after the resumption when Leicester Lions were penalised for not rolling away. Shortly after, Harry Hudson went through to score Otley’s next try and adding the conversion making the score 21-5.
Needing to consolidate their lead, Otley were unnerved by Leicester Lions response in which they scored three tries to take the lead. Their first try was scored by substitute, Timothy Douglas after a series of knock-ons which went the wrong way. From the resultant scrum the Lions were awarded a penalty that was put into the corner. Otley’s defence initially held but when the ball was sent across the field it allowed Douglas to go over.

Otley resumed their attacks and were rewarded with a line out just outside the visitors’ 22. However, a poor throw was taken down the pitch and the initiative was lost. Valiant though they were they could not withstand the Lions’ pressure and Ben spokes drove over after 55 minutes. After the conversion was missed Otley kicked off and were able to get the ball. The Lions gave away another penalty but it was the opportunity for points was missed.

A third Lions try followed after Lions No 8, Robert Young rampaged through the Otley defence close to the posts. This allowed their scrum half Michael Hogan to get his first conversion of the day, and also for Lions to take the lead for the second time with just ten minutes to go, 21-22. Lions seemed to lose discipline at this point and perhaps forgot how to close out a tight game. Lions gave away another penalty which saw new to the field substitute, Thomas ‘gout’ Cheney yellow carded for the rest of the game. The ball was put into touch in the corner and Otley then scored from the driving maul.

Lions now 4 points adrift of 2 league points had to stay squeaky clean and work back up the pitch. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and Otley scored in the dying moments of the game. A series of rucks saw Otley progressed up the field and as the Otley winger was making a bee line for the Lions try line he was bundled into touch. Having consulted with his assistant, the referee awarded Otley a penalty try deeming the tackle high giving the home side a five-point haul and cutting the Lions’ bonus points in half.

Final Score 31-22.

Report by Luke Veebel