Otley went to Heath on Saturday and came out 22-8 winners as they took control of the game in the second and third quarters. Both sides played some entertaining rugby, and it was good to see with Otley debuting a number of new players no-one looked out of place.

Heath finished second at the end of last season in Regional 1 NE League, and so Otley knew their fellow Yorkshiremen would be up for the encounter. The visitors kicked off against the blustery wind and for first 20 minutes both sides battled for possession. Heath were unlucky not to score after constant pressure having been encamped in the Otley half for some 15 minutes, the Otley defence holding firm. In what was Otley’s first real venture in Heath’s half, led by Sam Taylor, they made it to the hosts’ ten metre line where they gained a scrum. From that position they moved the ball to the right, setting up Duncan Darling to score in the corner at the end of the first quarter.

After the water break Heath continued to play some good rugby and were rewarded with a try in the corner from Jack Bruce to level the scores.

The second half began with both teams testing each other but it was Otley who took the lead on 50 minutes with yet another Duncan Darling break scoring in the corner. Heath replied with a converted penalty from Chris Johnson and on the hour mark Johnson was just wide of the mark with a drop kick attempt. Heath continued to press but once again, from a mistake, Joe Rowntree collected the ball and broke through the home defence. A kick and chase followed with Will Martindale scoring in the corner to increase Otley’s lead to 15-8.

Otley began the last quarter strong and increased their lead after an Eddie Crossland break, the ball moving through a number of hands before getting to Josh Sarsfield who scored under the posts. Gavin Stead converted the fourth of Otley’s tries. Heath came close to scoring at the end but Otley again held firm in what had been a very entertaining game.