Otley 10 Esher 57

For the first time this

season at Cross Green, Otley were comprehensively outclassed by the

opposition. The final score of 57-10 was a fair and accurate

reflection of the game. Esher have a squad of full-time

professionals and were the highest placed club to be relegated last

season under the RFU’s plans for a “brave new world” for

professional rugby.

Throughout the match they

proved themselves to be very fit, skilful and well-organised. Their

strategy was to attack the Otley line with a variety of fast ball-

handling, forceful running, shrewd tactical kicking and powerful

rucks and mauls. Otley never quite knew which was coming next and

were constantly on the back foot. However, Otley never surrendered,

always keeping the defensive line intact and tackling solidly and

bravely against much heavier opponents. It was noticeable and

significant that almost all of Esher’s eight tries were based upon

relentless pressure and finalised by strong drives for the try line

from too close- in to be prevented.

Otley had a relatively

golden patch either side of half-time. In the 35th

minute came the most thrilling moment of the match so far. Ollie

Steadman enterprisingly went for an interception on his own 22 metre

line, took the ball cleanly and, showing great dash and flair,

sprinted away for over 80 metres to score a try in the corner

without an Esher hand being placed upon him. Just on half time

constant Otley pressure forced a gap in the Esher defence and a try

would surely have ensued but for the final pass going to ground. Ten

minutes after the break, with no further score on the board, Otley

struck again with another superb try. Ollie Denton gathered a loose

ball in his own 22 metre area and burst through the Esher cover. As

Esher gave chase, James Twomey burst up in support and provided an

effective decoy runner, enabling Denton to race over the line

unopposed. This made the score 36-10; a fight back was hardly

credible, but a bonus point looked a realistic possibility.

Alas, it wasn’t to be.

Esher made some astute substitutions, bringing on even heavier men to

grind Otley down further. However, Otley never wilted and stuck

gamely to the task right up to the final whistle. Three more tries

came Esher’s way and Otley went down 57-10. Otley at least had the

consolation of knowing that their two tries were far more exciting

than any of Esher’s.

Otley will meet no better

team this season. Esher look to be very likely champions. Next season

they will be playing in the second tier of our national club rugby –

a level to which they belong and from which they should never have

been ejected. That is, of course, unless this all seems too simple

and too fair to the RFU.

Over the next two weeks,

Otley have two far more winnable games – Stourbridge away and

Nuneaton at home. However, this is a very even and competitive league

and nothing can be taken for granted; both games could go either way.