Even though a sizable contingent went up to DMP on Saturday for their biggest gate of the season, Otley’s celebrations for Adam Blades’s 100th consecutive appearance for the club were muted on the field when we were swept aside by a hard-running side with a similar approach to their defensive work.
Darlington’s desire to get hold of the ball by any means possible saw them concede 21 penalties, compared with just three by Otley. There were also yellow cards for the hosts’ No 8 Daniel Dixon on 39 minutes and lock Guy Van Den Dies after 77 minutes.

But their determination forced Otley into untold errors and they were quick to ram home the advantage. Immediately forced back to their line, Otley conceded a try to scrum half Zylon McGaffin, which was converted by No 10 Grant Connon. The fly half failed just once with his boot during the afternoon.

The visitors began to settle down, only to lose possession in the home 22 and see the ball swept upfield for full back Max Connon to score, and at the break the score was 14-0 to the hosts.

Shaking off this lethargy, Otley came out purposely after the break and centre Tom Rock sliced through a hitherto tight defence to give flying winger James Twomey a mere 45-metre run to the corner. Because Otley were now playing with the sun in their eyes, this could be the reason why on the restart sub hooker Andy Tonkin was allowed to take the ball at speed to race through and put Grant Connon over. That was quickly followed by a try for No 7 Luke Wishnowsky.

From an attacking Otley lineout the ball was stolen by Wishnowsky who was involved in a chase the length of the field culminating in a try for Cameron Mitchell, extras added by Grant Connon. Max Connon then added a further try on the 67th minute.

At last, Otley found their feet. A fine run, instigated by Toby Williams with Adam Blades, twice involved, saw sub Ben Fairclough cross the line. Young prop William Rigg went in under the posts, Stephen Depledge converting with a drop kick, and Jonathan Matthews scored just before the final whistle to claim a bonus point.

With thanks to John Finch and Kevin Robinson