Otley Match Report by LEE CLARKSON

Ionians welcomed Otley to Brantingham park, In what could be described as a prelim to a possible Yorkshire cup final depending on the draw and results. Both sides bringing their unbeaten record to the pitch in what could be described as a clash of epic proportions. Both sides fielding quality players across the park and both probably a little nervous as to what the other team had to offer, last week I's back line tore in to Yarnbury with devastating accuracy and pace, would they bring that to the game today. Otley looking well drilled and focused in the warm-up added to the anticipation waiting for the kick off.
Otley Kicked off to I's 22, the ball was returned well by winger Joe Walker who made good yardage well supported by full back Dan Couch back to around the Otley 10m. Following a scrum I's spread the ball through Couch, Evison and Cawood, the resulting ruck enabled Fly Half Myers to pick and go sprinting in from 20 yds out, missed conversion 5-0. First score to Ionians as they caught Otley off guard, however this would only wake the machine that is Otley. Huge pressure from both sets of forwards saw the game see saw between both halves with both having their fair share of possession, territory was in favour of Otley as their classy No 10 kicked superbly easing their defensive duties whenever I's pressed. The game was very evenly matched for large periods as both teams battled for supremacy, The forwards were working hard with scrumaging and rucking but so too were Otley's pack. It was going to be a battle of the forwards, James Malcolmson leading the line for I's breaking the game line well supported by the 'Big Will's', Matty, Harvey and Johnny Dearing. Archie Smeaton was having a good game from flanker, peeling off the scrum to put pressure on the Otley halfbacks, ably supported by Ollie "The Skinniest kid on the pitch" Painter standing in on the other side flanker.
It was now I's turn to pressure the Otley back line with powerful runs from the two big Wills, Toms, Harvey and Matty, from the forward pressure a penalty was awarded in front of the posts Kirk converted to make the score 8-0
Otley were back on terms as a kick and chase caused confusion on the home try line directly under the posts as 3 I's players looked at each other when a big boot was needed to clear the lines, the on rushing attack of Otley took advantage of the hesitation to score,8-7. At half time and both teams knowing they were in the game of the season so far.
The second half brought lots of Otley pressure on Ionians as the I's lineout faltered and Otley won pretty much every line out throughout. The forwards were having their own battle and seem to forget about the back line, albeit a huge amount of work rate didn't pay dividends, Otley charged through for their second try of the game following good forward rucking, making it 8-12 to the visitors .Jim Bob and Archie were in the thick of things trying to break the Zebra's game line but were met by sturdy defence on each occasion, after a sustained period of pressure in the I's 22 the home defence began to turn the tide and apply pressure of their own, unfortunately a ripped ball by the Otley Flanker saw him clean through to score, converted 8-19.
In this back and forth game it was now I's turn to attack and apply pressure of their own in what was the only move of the back line, the ball was moved out wide and outside centre Harry Cawood, still with a lot to do powered down the touch line, smashing through the oncoming tackles to score out wide, 13 - 19 FT.
A very entertaining evenly matched game by the top tier of U14s Yorkshire rugby, both teams can take a lot from this game as they both attacked with power and pace and defended like lions. There will be some sore bodies tonight but both sets of coaches and parents should be proud of the efforts and ability from Both sets of players should be proud of their efforts .