In-form Irvine is key man for Otley

By CHRIS NUNN

Blaydon…………. 12

Otley……………….28

OTLEY enjoyed their trip to Blaydon as they eased to victory, with Callum Irvine pulling the strings.

The visitors started brightly and with nine minutes on the clock were awarded a penalty 45 metres out and they went for goal, which was well converted by scrumhalf Joe Rowntree

Blaydon responded well and three minutes later a good break by fly-half Zach Thompson put Alex Charlton in for a try, which was easily converted by Thompson.

Otley began to get a foothold in the game and shaded possession, and 10 minutes later openside Samuel Hodge scored their first try, which was well converted by Rowntree to make it 10-7 at the break.

Otley started the secdond half very much on the front foot, and were awarded a penalty within kicking distance, which was well converted by full-back Callum Irvine who had taken over the kicking duties

Just a few minutes later, from more Otley pressure, another penalty was conceded and it was slotted over by Irvine.

Midway through the second half Otley extended their lead through a good break by backs replacement Gavin Stead but this time Irvine missed the conversion.

Blaydon were now pushing really hard for a score but gave penalties away every time they got in to the Otley 22.

But it was Otley who scored next again through Stead to take the game beyond Blaydon.

To their credit Blaydon kept going and scored in the last minute through Jack Appleton.