Match Preview

This Saturday we have our third away fixture of the season when we go north to Tynedale, the longest trip (just) for us in this league.

The first match between the two clubs was a friendly on 16 February 1980 at Cross Green which Otley won 14-13, and they went on to win the next five matches. The last of those wins, 24-0, was Otley's first ever league game on 12 September 1987, and was also played at Cross Green. In the away last encounter at Tynedale Park in September 2019, Otley came closest to getting their first away win in a tumultuous match. Powerful attacking combined with calamitous defending resulted in the points being shared 34-34. Otley went onto beat Tynedale 16-13 in a tight reverse fixture in January 2020.

This season, Tynedale have won their first three games (against the two Sheffields and Blaydon), but went down to Rotherham last weekend 37-7.

Otley have a few changes to the side that beat Sheffield Tigers last Saturday. Ethan Thiart makes his first start for Otley this season, his place on the bench is taken by new signing Bryce Robertson. Sam Hodge is also in the starting line up, Joe Rowntree is back in the scrum half slot and Ben Magee is on the bench.

Go Otley!!