The signs didn’t look good as ickledot made his way to Otley for his first game of 2023 (Happy New Year everyone!). It had been raining continuously since early morning and there was a river running down Otley Chevin. Players wanting an early feel of the pitch had first to negotiate a pool of water blocking their way.
However, as warm ups continued, the sun arrived with a huge patch of blue sky and it quickly became clear that the game was going to be played in dry conditions. Mud would play a part but its effects were far less than expected.
The day’s visitors were Sheffield - it was yet another of National 2’s many Yorkshire derbies. Though it was they who scored first with an early penalty, Otley moved into the lead with a try down the left soon after. A second followed, also on the left, giving the home side a healthy but not insurmountable lead at the break.
As it happened, Otley’s third and fourth scores were also on the left - a pattern which ickledot failed to notice at the time, although he was at the other end of the pitch for post match portraits when they crossed the line for the final time. The final score of 25-3 (?) reflects a comfortable win though it was actually hard fought throughout.
As you’ll see from the photos, Otley’s Ben McGee made a welcome return to the Otley side after a period of injury (ickledot thinks). It was great to see him making those characteristic runs and terrorising oppositions once more.