Stourbridge 41 Otley 23

Mar 17 2008

STOURBRIDGE took a huge step towards National One with the demolition of league leaders Otley in a five-point, five-star display.

The home side were ahead as early as the sixth minute when wing Alastair Bressington finished off a four-man move, only to see the long-time National Two table-toppers come with a try through No.8 Dan Hyde and two penalties to take the lead.

Not to be outdone Stour added two penalties of their own and a drop to lead 16-11 at the break. The game was virtually over by the 44th minute though as Stour rattled in two quick tries to open up a 17-point lead. However, Otley were not going to take defeat lightly and were awarded a penalty try in the 50th minute and added another score three minutes later to cut the gap to just five points.

Stour held firm and increased their lead again with a second drop goal from Aussie Rod Petty, who was playing at fly-half.

The match ended as it had started with a try by Bressington and a priceless bonus point.