Middlesbrough visited Cross Green for the 1st game between theses 2 sides, and what a cracker it dished up. Middlesbrough are a fair set of lads, and were superb throughout in the tackle and breakdown areas, Otley getting really challenged like they have never had.
Watched on by new signings Rowan Wood, Arthur Wilkinson, Eddie Payter, Ethan Lowe and Alfie Britton following the sad news Aireborough RUFC have had to fold their u14 set up, the Otley lads were out to impress their new teammates and families.
A close opening start as both sides tried to get the upper hand, 'Boro with their big aggressive forwards making huge tackles, Otley worked out the key to success was getting the ball wide. Great work by Joe Rock and Hamish Hibbert out wide created a huge hole for Alex Mort to go through. Quick recycling of the ball by Fraser Tighe and Alfie Asquith put the ball on a plate for scrum half Sam Davy, and his pass found Harry Cropp at full speed to open the scoring up. Toby Foster kicked his 1st conversion of the morning. This was just what the home side needed, and the belief started to show through the side. Foster was excellent at 10, making all the correct options to keep 'Boro just out of reach. Willing workers Brett Robinson, Will Reavey, Bobby Crabtree and AJ Toyne putting their hands up and getting Otley going forward and were rewarded for a period of pressure. A catch and drive from the lineout, Davy broke and was held up just short, but George Gillson was right with him to burrow over. Converted again by Foster. Otley were in full flight now, the visitors had the size advantage but were struggling against the handling skills of the home side. A loose ball was pounced on Hibbert and off he went on one of his trademark runs. The offload to a supporting Rhys Stokey who crossed half way before a great tackle from the visiting fullback. Quick recycle, Charlie Medley went down the short side and put Dylan Duckmanton away for the try. Conversion wide as the HT whistle blew.

Down to 15 players after an injury to Archie Fuller, 5 minutes into the 2nd period it was 14 as Rock left the game also, to which the visitors instantly took advantage of with an early try. Some terrific attack for a period from Boro had Otley working overtime in defence for a good 10 minute period, to which the boys gave everything. Needing some respite, it came from Davy who scooted away down the blind side to feed Medley who looked for all money to score but a terrific tackle by the visiting fullback stopped him in his tracks. Tighe was the next beneficiary of a lovey ball from Davy, clearly having one of his best games at 9, to break through. Quick ball to Foster who fed the supporting Cropp only to be just held up. A fired up visiting team then took control and an excellent team converted try made it a 1 score game entering the last few minutes. The 14 lads were absolutely shattered, and the visitor scrambled ahead, a huge relief as the touchline conversion fell short. The final whistle just arrived in time for Otley.