Otley U10s Vs Wetherby - A Battle Across An Uneven Playing Field

Before the match the Wetherby referees ran through their interpretation of the U10s rules. With hindsight we should have questioned the line 'We're happy as long as the ball comes out of the ruck'.

The game began and it soon appeared that Wetherby were playing with a different rule book. This is a pity as they're a great team that bring a brilliant challenge to Otley.

As the game ensued a lack of passing when the ball was ripped by the opposition and the downright danger of players off their feet in the ruck threw Otley off their game. The icing on the cake was a hard fought Otley try being disallowed for being 'in the dead ball zone' when it was only 2 metres over the line.

The weight of this on U10 shoulders affected Otley's morale as they felt the game was untenable. After much rousing talk and a discussion on dealing with what they can't control and focusing on what they can control saw Otley make some fantastic tackles and runs. This left them still able to hold their heads up high on a game that tested them mentally as well as physically.