On a suitably wet, misty Sunday morning in West Yorkshire, Otley Zebra's U12's travelled to Old Brods for their first District Cup. The scene was busy at the ground with the U12's, U16's and women's games taking place. The Zebra's in typical high spirits warmed up while the heavens poured, ready for the matches.
After a short silence on the first team pitch to observe Remembrance Sunday the Zebra's started their first game against Old Clecksley (a blended team with players from Cleckheaton, Keighley and Old Brods). Taking advantage in the first half of playing 'downhill' the Zebra's scored four tries with one disallowed. Final score 3-1 to the Zebra's!
The second match saw the Zebra's face Rotherham and again taking advantage of the gradient in the first half Otley racked up the tries quickly and Otley's solid defence prevented a strong Rotherham from scoring. The second half saw both teams score a single try, final score 6-1 to Otley.
Otley started their third and final group match against Wharfedale, both teams reduced to 11 men and the weather changing from heavy rain to biting cold wind. In this match both teams were playing for top spot in the group, having each won their first two games. Where Otley were strong in the ruck, Wharfedale were equally strong in their defence. Fortune favoured the Zebra's with the final score 4-1. Otley win all three group games finishing top!
The final played by the two group winners saw Otley face Huddersfield YMCA. The clouds had now parted and the small corner of West Yorkshire was bathed in glorious autumn sunshine. The YMCA players were a formidable bunch and unfortunately the game did not go Otley's way. Otley Zebra's finishing runners up in the Wharfe and Aire U12's District cup 2018. There is a big, shiny trophy to prove it too.
Our thanks go out to Mike at Old Brods for organising the day, the parents for happily accepting all mother nature could throw at them and the U12'a for having such great team spirit.