Stourbridge 68 Otley 10 (From Halesowen News)

Stourbridge 68 Otley 10

2:49pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in Stourbridge RFC

ADVENTUROUS Otley were on the receiving end of Stourbridge RFC’s best performance to date.

Unveiling a more complete game than has previously been on show, the Saxons' forwards provided a steady flow of quick, clean ball which provided their three-quarters plenty of time and space.

Caolan Ryan got the Saxons on the scoreboard first with an early penalty but the opening try for league top try scorer Drew Harper came from a trademark long range Saxons lineout catch and driving maul.

Ryan landed another penalty before Jamie Hearn completed a move which spanned the length of the pitch after an Otley player had fumbled just short of the line.

The visitors got on the board with a penalty but Stour struck again before the break when Ben Hughes set up Hearn for his second try, for a 25-3 half-time lead.

Another Ryan penalty opened the second half scoring before Nathan Bressington secured the bonus point with try number four.

Otley coughed up another scrum which allowed Ejike Uzoigwe in but the visitors did manage a try of their own following a neat chip over the top.

Sam Baker returned the compliment to set up Tom Brown and tidy work from Pete White then provided Hearn with his hat-trick.

Further tries from Jarvis and Baker completed the rout.

Coach Mike Umaga said : "We showed a further dimension to our game today, greater cohesion as a team with the performance of the backs complementing the work of the forwards.

“We showed some good stuff in attack and dispelled any myths about us being one-trick ponies.

“Otley are one of most adventurous teams in this league, averaging over 31 points a game and they looked to attack whenever they could today, but our defensive efforts were outstanding.

"We will hold a side to nil once we hit our straps.”