After a convincing win at Luctonians last week in which they scored six tries, they come up against Stourbridge who scored seven in their demolition of Hull 53 – 22. However, the Saxons’ last away win was back in November when they beat Birmingham & Solihull 23-25.

Doubtless the fixture will be affected by the weather, and while the snow is forecast more for the coast than inland, the pitch is likely to be soft. It will be a day for the forwards to keep the ball close; and the crowd to be keep together in a bid to keep warm.

This Saturday’s fixture between the two clubs is a little unusual, in that invariably Stourbridge have been above us in the league. This season Otley are sixth while their opponents are tenth, although both sides will see this game as one they can both win. In the fixture at Stourton Park earlier this season, Otley ran out convincing winners 37-23. The fourth and last try in that game was a penalty try, the referee having become frustrated with the hosts’ disruptive tactics. Lets hope our forwards can exert similar pressure this time round.

First XV team:
George Burkinshaw, Ben Steele, Mark Chivers, Sam Cook, Jonathan Stannard, Tom O’Donnell, Matt Heaton, Freddie Watson, Stephen Depledge, James White, Harry Hudson, Mike Coady, Jack Mackie, Henry Roberts and Kristian Sharples

Subs:
Chad Harris, Charley Purkiss-McEndoo, Stephen Costello, Jack Scott-Paul and Andy Rhodes

At the time of going to press the Saracens don’t have a game although we are still trying to arrange one.

Go Otley!!