This week, in their first ever game between the two sides, it looked as though it was going to be the visitors’ day having raced to a 17-3 lead after 13 minutes.

Otley’s first score came after two minutes when the ball squirted out of a scrum and was quickly picked up by Stephen Depledge who was able to get the ball out to Harry Hudson. He then ran from his own half to score, Depledge adding the conversion. Three minutes later Depledge added a penalty, before Broadstreet’s Ben Palmer opened their account after nine minutes. Harry Hudson was again on the scoresheet just before the quarter hour mark when, after another scrum, Depledge, White and Sharples were all involved in a move before the ball went to Hudson to score. Depledge’s conversion added to the travelling supporters’ delight.

However, instead of making the game secure, Otley’s concentration drifted, as did their decision making, handing Broadstreet the impetus and, in effect, the game. Full back Barry Davies was allowed to run through the middle and centre Andy Murray also broke through, Palmer, who was successful with every kick, converting twice to level the scores.

What was disappointing was to see that Otley were failing to keep their own line-out ball and lost three in succession. In addition, the second Broadstreet try was scored when they were down to 14. Flanker Jamie Harrop had picked up a yellow card for handling in a close-in ruck, a situation which was extended when their left winger was sin-binned just as they were about to come back to compliment. Ashley Elvers had tripped an Otley player as the latter chipped ahead. However from the subsequent right hand corner penalty lineout, Otley drove first and then eventually went wide left, where winger Alex Beaumont dived in at the corner flag.

From the try restart Otley gathered and drove, but conceded a turnover just inside our half. Ben Palmer was able to penalise Otley further with 40 plus metre kick to close the gap and the half. Half Time: Broadstreet 20 Otley 22.

Broadstreet restarted the second half, and while still down to 14 players, the better side and kept Otley pinned down in their own half. They were able to score after 5 minutes when Otley, having failed to clear properly saw Ben Palmer gather around the half way mark. The ball eventually went to Nathan Tilsley who, although tackled, managed to find his way to the line. The conversion was followed by another long-range penalty three minutes later, and Broadstreet were once again pressing Otley’s line.

Otley withstood some 20 minutes of pressure and having finally managed to get out of their own half, let themselves down with a loose pass. This was pounced upon by Jeff Gregson who headed straight for the posts meaning the score was now 37-22 with 12 minutes left.

The deficit was reduced by five points on 73 minutes when Alex Beaumont went over for his second try of the day. Otley were then awarded two late penalties but were not able to make them count to secure a second bonus point.