The early possession was held by the home side with Gavin Stead taking the lead, and as they battered Caldy for ten minutes there was an expectation amongst the Cross Green supporters. The referee’s whistle for holding onto the ball brought things to a halt and moments later a 5-metre scrum gave Caldy possession, putting winger Ben Jones over in the corner.
The visitors had the territorial advantage for the first quarter and, after two pick and drives, switched the point of attack with Jacob Ainscough going over with Gavin Roberts converting. Their third came after a kicking exchange, Otley fumbled in their 22 and Caldy pounced shipping the ball to Nick Royle.
Just after the half hour mark Otley got on to the scoreboard, Josh Hall taking a slick pass to score which Stead converted. Caldy had an opportunity near the end of the first half to get the bonus try, but they lost the ball and Otley were able to clear their lines.
The second half was more containment by Otley although mid-way through the half a drive from the forwards put Josh Dickinson over for the bonus point score. From the restart centre Gavin Roberts weaved his way through the home defence, and then added his third conversion.
Otley’s resilience was rewarded with a try at the end, Josh Hall going down the right and, after a couple of pick and drives to the line, the ball was swung left to Owen Dudman who scored in the corner.
Picture courtesy of Richard Leach