3rd May 2008

Otley Colts Mirror First XV Success

Otley RUFC won the National Division 2 title and the Colts (U19s) won the Yorkshire Colts 2^nd division championship. They celebrated with a dinner at the clubhouse on Friday May 2^nd. Having completed their fixtures on time, they were left in limbo as teams below them completed their matches and only had their win confirmed the day before. They finished with a record of Played 12, Won 8, Drew 1, Lost 3, Points For 285, Points Conceded 159, they scored 75 tries, secured 7 bonus points and won the league by just one point.* The success was achieved despite a number of injuries during the season and saw some gutsy performances when the squad was depleted.

* The official Yorkshire website credits us with wining by a nine point margin with some team's results declared void.

James Morton was the top try scorer for the third year in a row, scoring 18 tries and was also named most improved player of the year. Vice captain Charlie Middleton was named Club player of the year, Danny Secker was player of the year and Jimmy Keinhorst capped a hugely impressive season to be nominated as player’s player of the year for the second year running.

The Colts have not been idle since completing their matches, many of them turning out for the second team and forming the bulk of the third team, which reached the Aire-Wharfe Cup semi-finals. Many of the players will be leaving to begin University studies in the new season, but a core remains to be joined by this season’s highly rated under 17s, to contest next year’s league.

6 April 2008

Otley looked strong contenders at the Skipton 7s tournament, winning their first two games, but came up short in the blizzard conditions during the semi final.

Two well matched teams fought out a very tight and error strewn game in bright sunshine. Otley scored first when Jimmy Keinhorst wrong footed the defence and ran in from his own 22. Harrogate then took the lead after half time with a break of their own, before some good passing put James Morton into space and, shrugging off two tackles he sealed the win.

Otley really got into their stride in this match and played some good sevens rugby, spreading the ball and attacking from deep. Sam Houldsworth orchestrated things well and scored two tries, and Eddie McKee raced in from half way after a great show and go at a scrum. Three tries up at half time, they looked comfortable, but Skipton struck back from a loose, but well taken pass in mid-field. The break of the game though, came from big Jason Moss, who stormed thirty metres, before the defence hauled him down and then Danny Secker sprinted in to kill off any hope of a Skipton revival, and Houldsworth added another to claim his hat trick.

This was a much tighter affair, although Otley looked in control after tries from Morton and Keinhorst, who, in a planned move collected a long ball from a line out at speed to race through. Then as the snow came down and the wind picked up, it was Bs who coped better with the rapidly deteriorating conditions, pulling back to level the match right at the death. They then picked up a spilled pass in extra time to snatch the win.

30 March 2008

In a fittingly exciting, roller-coaster finale to their league season, Otley persevered to secure the double over Huddersfield YMCA in an enthralling match graced by 10 tries. They made a perfect start when Liam Copsey secured the kick off ball, Jimmy Keinhorst opened up the defence and Ben Mills crashed over for a try. This good work was somewhat undone, when the YMCA flier was put away in space to level the scores. With a brilliant solo effort, Keinhorst then restored the lead, which Otley never relinquished despite brave efforts from the visitors. Jason Moss stormed over for another try, before the YMCA scrum half nipped in for one of his own just before half time for a 17-10 gap.

The second half was a fiercely contested forward battle with some whole hearted rucking, interspersed with courageous back play. Otley were the more controlled and pragmatic while YMCA tried to play a more frenetic game, which looked more exciting, but increasingly desperate. Number eight, Ross Bannatyne plucked an unlikely interception and scampered 25 metres to the line and then, with the visitors pressing the Otley line, winger James Morton coolly read the pass and sprinted 75 metres to extend the Otley lead to 31-10. All looked lost for the visitors, but their passion showed as Otley tired, grabbing two more tries to give them hope, before Sam Houldsworth scored another 75 metre breakaway to put the game beyond doubt.

Jimmy Keinhorst was named Man of the Match for his controlling influence in midfield, solid defensive work and contribution to a number of the scores, including four conversions. Ross Bannatyne was a tour de force in the leading the pack, Jason Moss terrorised the close quarter encounters and Peter Turner provided a powerful response to the YMCA three quarter threat.

There is general confusion surrounding the Colts Yorkshire league, with many games cancelled due to weather and fixture congestion, and while other teams are arguing about matches unplayed or disputed and appealing for season extensions, this result leaves Otley atop the league with all their matches fulfilled.

16 March 2008

With a large fixture backlog, Yarnbury requested and Otley agreed to make this game a "double" counting for both the league and the Yorkshire Plate quarter final. With so much at stake, this match was bound to be tense and so it proved, with no score until the 60^th minute, when the visitors kicked a penalty. They quickly added to that lead with a try courtesy of a well executed off-load which put their centre through under the posts. They defended that lead stoutly until the final minute, when Otley prop, Joe Garforth crashed over, too late to save the game, but securing a crucial bonus point in the league.

The final score was a fair reflection of the whole encounter, which was tight and ferociously contested throughout. Both sides rued numerous spilled chances, which only added to the tension. Otley again fielded a makeshift backline, but it acquitted itself well, was defensively solid and well marshalled by Jack Mackie. Winger, James Morton was starved of good possession, but worked hard to force turnovers and was unlucky more than once not to collect chipped balls, which would have seen him in the clear. Stand in wing, Antony Davies showed great awareness defensively and when Mackie retired injured, Danny Secker moved from wing forward to centre and made the best break of the day, but, with the line open, he could not get his final pass into Davies’ hands.

The Otley pack maintained a massive and admirable workrate, but never subdued the Yarnbury eight. The Man of the Match award went to Secker for his all round game, his courage and resolve, which typified the spirit of the whole Otley team.

-----------------------------------

Results

P: 17 W: 11 D: 1 L: 5 F: 458 A: 278 (75 tries)

Otley 38 Huddersfield YMCA 22 (League)

Otley 5 Yarnbury 10 (Yorkshire Plate & League)

Sandal 7 Otley 13 (League)

Harrogate 40 Otley 7 (League) 

Doncaster 17 Otley 7 (Yorkshire Cup)

Driffield 3 Otley 22 (League)

Otley 21 Selby 10 (League)

Otley 26 Huddersfield 10 (Friendly)

Otley 91 Driffield 0 (League)

Bradford & Bingley 20 Otley 22 (Friendly)

Otley 39 Sandal 7 (League) 

Huddersfield YMCA 10 Otley 23 (League)

Otley 27 Bradford & Bingley 12 (Friendly)

Otley 41 Harrogate 14 (League)

Otley 34 Roundhegians 26(Friendly)

Selby 20 Otley 12 (League)

Scunthorpe 34 Otley 19 (Friendly)

Otley 12 Yarnbury 12 (League)

Photos courtesy of Tony Pickering, many thanks.

Josh receives treatment before the long layoff.

24 February 2008

Sandal 7 Otley Colts 13

In a hugely competitive, entertaining and exciting match Otley did just enough to secure a crucial league win and maintain their lead at the top of Yorkshire Division 2. Hit by injuries and late withdrawals, they could only field 14 players, and had three back row forwards playing in the three quarters. Sandal had a full complement of players and a full bench, which they rotated well, but Otley never showed signs of tiring and showed real heart, chasing everything, tackling bravely and never giving up. They were solid in defence and adventurous in attack. The defence was tested on a number of occasions and particularly early on when they were reduced to 13 players for 10 minutes, but they held on resolutely. The front five made a big impact and a lot of ground, the makeshift backline looked threatening and provided the first score with Danny Secker crossing in the corner, and they hung on to that lead until half time.

The key to Otley’s success was a combination of that bravery and determination and some good decision making, as they played to their strengths. Captain and scrum half, Eddie McKee showed great maturity in leading his team. However, after the break, Sandal finally made the overlap count and took the lead. This only inspired Otley to dig deeper and come back with a series of ferocious drives and they then snatched the lead back with a towering drop goal from Jimmy Keinhorst. Sandal fought back with real passion and came close to regaining the lead, but it was Otley that persevered. They broke out of their own 22 and raced up to the other end. After a period of pick and go from the forwards battering on the line, the ball was whipped out to Morton on the wing, who crossed to confirm the win. After such a spirited and dogged performance, the man of the Match award was shared by the whole team.

Try scorers this season: 18 - Morton; 6 - Bannatyne, 5 - Gillatt; 4 - Brown, Cranswick, Hastie, Houldsworth; 3 -  Middleton, Secker, Walton; 2 - Dyson, Mills, Moss, Wardman; 1 - Copsey, Garforth, Mackie, McKee,  Pickering, Speirs and Wells.

Conversions: 21 - Keinhorst; 11 - Hastie; 2 - Walton, 1 - Mackie, Morton.

Drop Goals 1 - Brown, Keinhorst. Penalties 1 - Hastie.

Leading Points Scorers: 92 - Morton; 67 - Keinhorst, 45 - Hastie. 

Congratulations to two players gaining representational honours with Wing Forward, Ross Bannatyne playing for Scottish Exiles and selected for the full Scotland U19 trial, and Centre, Jack Mackie playing for Yorkshire U18s.

Otley RUFC U17s XV, 2006-2007

Yorkshire U17s League Division 2 Champions

Northern Division Plate Champions

Otley U17s win North Plate Final

Percy Park 20 Otley U17s 24

Otley travelled up to North Shields to play in the RFU Under17s Northern Division Plate Final and played some attractive rugby to secure a well deserved victory. The home side fielded a very big pack who were powerful in the maul and ran strongly, but the Otley eight matched them well. They dominated the rucks and line outs and looked much fitter, especially towards the end of the game, with Bannatyne, Secker and Man of the Match Will Fraser to the fore. The Otley backs were also much quicker, slicker and looked a constant threat. They enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and turned this into huge territorial advantage, but were denied for long periods by a well organised defence. The result of this enthralling contest was in doubt for a long time as the sides matched each other score for score.

Otley opened the scoring with a typical passing move which put winger James Morton over in the corner. Percy Park, though hit straight back with one of their own. The Otley pack then drove over with second row Ross Bannatyne touching down, but again the home side equalised. Otley scored again through full back David Hastie and Percy Park kicked a penalty for a 17-15 half time scoreline.

The second half continued at a frenetic pace with some good kicking from Otley pinning back the home side. A well worked backs move was finished by centre Jimmy Keinhorst, who converted to stretch the Otley lead to nine points. Otley rarely looked in trouble after that, although a fortuitous interception gave the home side a consolation try just before the whistle. Captain Eddie McKee accepted the trophy from Robin Wannop, RFU Council Member and chair of the Under 18 Executive.

Captain Eddie McKee collects the trophy.

Celebrations and Winners Medals.

U17s End of Season Dinner

The team celebrated an enjoyable and successful season with a dinner at the clubhouse, which was well attended by players, family, and guests from the senior club committee. The team have had their best season ever and are relishing the challenge of stepping up to play Colts rugby next year.

Their playing record is:

Played 24, won 19, lost 5, scored 652 points, including 108 tries and conceded 336 points. 

This included a league campaign with 8 wins from 11 matches and leaves them second in the league on points difference, with a match in hand. They also won the Northern Divisional plate competition.

The success was achieved thanks to everyone’s efforts, but a number of players were honoured as representative of the hard work and team spirit. James Morton was the top try scorer for the third season in a row, scoring 31 and passing the 100 mark in only his fourth season. Most improved player was wing forward, Danny Secker, Club player of the year was prop, Sam Pickering, and Players’ Player of the Year was Jimmy Keinhorst. The Player of the Year was shared between two iconic forwards, Ross Bannatyne and Will Fraser.

With a demanding season ahead, the squad resumes training in July and is keen to recruit new players who will be between 17 and 19 years old on 1^st September.

Tour d'Espania 2007

Otley were invited to southern Spain to play and were looked after splendidly at a well appointed and ambitious rugby club, near Alicante. The hospitality was superb and the rugby much better than many might expect - we would recommend this area to any junior team, but do not underestimate the quality of opposition! 

Valencia U19s 21 Otley U17s 31

The first opposition were a big and effective outfit, who had travelled 150 km from Valencia and boasting at least one U19 international, they provided a stern test for the tourists. The first half was very even, Otley twice falling behind to tries, but coming back to end the half all square at 14 points apiece, tries scored by Luke Walton and Jimmy Keinhorst who added the conversions.

After the restart the Otley fitness began to show and they opened up a two try gap through winger James Morton and centre Jack Mackie, looking sharp on his return from injury. Valencia then had a period of intense pressure, mostly generated by their very strong pack and Otley had to defend stoutly, conceding one try and holding on for what seemed an age, before a well judged kick from Mackie put them back into the Valencia half. Stolen line out ball and quick passing put Billy Tagott over in the corner and the match was secure, as Valencia ran out of steam and heart. An intense and exciting start to the tour with Liam Copsey named Man of the Match for his individual commitment and leadership of the pack.

The second match of the tour was against the hosts, who showed less skill and power than their neighbours, but Otley were a little jaded after their exertions in the previous match and struggled to impose themselves on an enthusiastic side. They did dominate the scrum with hooker Ed Goodwill enjoying himself as he took most of the hosts put-ins. It was from such a stolen scrum ball that Liam Copsey, maintaining his good form drove over for the opening score. The good work was somewhat spoilt by sloppy passing and a gifted interception try for a 7-7 half time score.

The Otley pack continued to dominate the set pieces, and Bannatyne, Fraser and Middleton kept them moving forward in the loose, but the open play was marred with a host of uncharacteristic mistakes and the players struggled in the midday heat. The match was lit up by one 80 metre run from Tagott, unluckily denied a try by a superb last ditch tackle, but Otley scored twice more through Mackie and scrum half and captain Eddie McKee. A most enjoyable short tour with two very different matches showcasing the skill and character of a happy and committed team.

Tour d'Espania 2007

Smart tour shirts generously sponsored by PGM Fencing

Otley and Valencia captains exchange ties.

The hotel and a view from the top

After the Christmas break, the team played two friendly matches before returning to league action. This involved a trip to Driffield and a visit from Keighley. Otley won both games, 31-7 and 36-12, scoring twelve tries.

The only black spot was when hooker Ed Cottle,  pictured below packing down, broke his leg - we all wish him a swift recovery.

Ian Jones, father of centre, Simon took some excellent photographs, a selection of which are included below.

Toby determined. Front row with Ed Cottle. Will with a classic pick, go and score! The switch and maul action.

Representative Honours - Ed Goodwill, Jack Mackie and Simon Jones all played for Central Yorkshire  Under 17s, Jack going on to play for the clubs side in the final Yorkshire trial and Ross Bannatyne has been selected for the Scottish Exiles XV Under 18s to play the Welsh colleges.