Otley too strong for under strength Heath

Otley u13s travelled to Heath for their first visit to West Vale this season with a strong squad. Heath were able to field a team but without subs, a worrying trend and one that needs addressing for next season when we move to 15 a-side. Bradley Gill made a welcome return at scrum half, Alex Kershaw moved from the pack into outside centre and the team was captained by Humphrey Hall. After more rain overnight the already saturated pitches were to say the least heavy so tight patterns of play were the order of the day!

Otley were dominant in the first half. They were well drilled with Captain Toby pulling the strings at fly half. Their forwards were driving hard into the heart of the Heath defence and cutting great lines. Otley scored three tries within the first 10 mins. Heath then lost work horse second rower Jasper Haigh, a big hole to fill for Heath as he was the most effective forward at the ruck. Otley are a great bunch and lent big Harry for some fire power - a credit to their club and he fired into his own team mates.

Otley continued to smash Heath in the close winning counter rucks when single Heath runners got isolated - support runners were not working hard enough. Otley continued to score tries and the half-time whistle couldn’t come soon enough for Heath.

Half-time: Heath 0 - 30 Otley.

The chat at half-time was less focussed on the score line and more about raising standards - Heath were slow to the break down, passive when there and offered little to counter and make it difficult for their opponents. The challenge was laid down.

Whilst Heath were immediately put under pressure in their own 20m, a good turn over led to the ball going left to Capt Humphrey Hall who stepped through two defenders and sprinted 70m to score a fantastic individual try (5 - 30).

Otley took the opportunity to break down the left and scored their seventh try (5 - 35).

Otley lent another quality player when Sonny Gordon took a bang to the head. Dylan was made some strong runs into the Otley half, followed by good hands by Logan Helliwell-MacDonald and drives by Alfie Cartwright. From a good scrum, Gill sent the ball out to Helliwell-MacDonald who switched with Alex Kershaw who burst through the Otley defence to score under the posts (10 - 35).

Helliwell-MacDonald was the next to score for Heath. A clever chip over the top and a kind bounce meant he could regather the ball and touch down before the ball going dead (15 - 35).

Otley finished the match with a well taken try.

Final score: Heath 15 - 40 Otley.

A game of two halves. Otley won the game in the first 25 mins with no response from Heath. What was pleasing was the second half performance. Heath won the second half three tries to two - the main reason because the lads fired into the breakdowns, turned over ball and retained possession. This led to opportunities to score and they did. Well done lads - that showed character.

Logan Helliwell-MacDonald continues to improve week on week. Alex Kershaw scored his debut try for the club - well done Alex! Both lads made a strong combination at centre.

Man of the Match goes to two players today - Bradley Gill and Humphrey Hall for their outstanding performances today. Well done lads