This game had been eagerly awaited by Wetherby since their last defeat which was against Old Otliensians back in early 2014.
Wetherby had started the season off with a string of wins, where as Otliensians have lost the last 2 games narrowly. This didn’t change Wetherby’s look on the game as they knew they were going to be in for a tough game, as have all games between the two teams been.

A similar team from the week before was selected with Danny Warden once again not filling his captaincy role and Rob Adair having to step up. Along with this Robert Hardy (Camp America) and Barney Roberts (poorly shoulder) had been selected for this fixture in their first game of the season.

The game begun at 1500 at the Otliensians HQ and both teams came out raring to go as soon as the referee’s whistle went. The game started off with Wetherby having the majority of the ball, and off the back of a well won lineout in the opponents half the backs broke the line with Jack Kaye coming up just short of the line. Quick ball from the break down and some quick hands gave the fiery Will Jefferson some space to get the first try of the game in the corner. Conor Sheridan added the extras 0-7.

Deep into the second half with both teams having chances, it was Wetherby who took the next chance for the second try of the game, coming from the hero and role model of the team Conor Sheridan after a burst of pace put him past the opponents full back making the scores 0-14.

Otliensians struck back and when Wetherby gave away a penalty it gave Otliensians the ball within touching distance of the try line. A well worked move and a good line put Otliensians outside centre in for their first try of the game 7- 14.
Wetherby came close to scoring but then a handling error created a scrum to the home side, however a moment of madness from Otliensians prop changed this to a Wetherby penalty when he tried to Vulcan death grip the innocent Alex Dus. This penalty was in kicking distance and made the scores 7-17.

With game continuing and both teams looking lethal with the possession of the ball, points were hard to come by and Wetherby weren’t getting there own way which they are used too. Otliensians had there chances and made overlaps but couldn’t get any more points on the board. With the last play of the half coming in the form of a penalty on the half way line, many believed it would be kicked for touch to end the half… but wait, up steps Conor Sheridan who kicks the 50m penalty adding the 3 points along with creating many drooling fans and even players.

Half time 7-20.

The second half begun and once again both teams had chances, but it was Otliensians to strike first with their forwards. Who when earning a line out about 10 metres out pushed over the white line making the scores 14-20.

Otliensians were getting a foot hold in the game and with the referee giving away questionable decisions throughout, Otliensians received a penalty which was well kicked and made the scores a rather tense 17-20.

Wetherby not having lost in AGES were feeling nerves but this made them step it up a gear for the last 20 minutes. Captain Rob Adair called for the ball on a miss match blind side and broke the tackle and who was there supporting… yes, you guessed it, Jack Kaye TRY time! 17-27.

With a bit of breathing space between the teams again, Wetherby could relax and played sensible rugby and with strong runs coming from the forwards, Wetherby found them selves getting ever so closer to the try line. Then a change was made bringing Rob Hardy on at 13 and with his first touch of the ball gave him the assist to, Oh no, not again, yes again, really?, Yes, Conor Sheridan for his second try and also giving Wetherby the bonus point 17-34.

Final score 17-34.

Wetherby Could celebrate the win along with the birthday of the young coach Mike Hicks, before getting ready for next weeks game which is at home against Old Modernians.

-Jack Kaye