Bridlington RUFC’s poor away run continued with a 52–25 defeat to Old Otliensians in a feisty but entertaining contest.
The start could hardly have been worse for the Blue and Golds, as the hosts opened the scoring inside the first minute. Connor Bateman broke through the defence and, despite an ankle tap from Ben Benson, managed to offload to Ollie Eaves, who dotted down. Jake Bentley added the conversion.
Bridlington responded quickly, earning a succession of penalties before Benson forced his way over the line. Josh Stanyon converted to level the scores.
The Ensians soon regained the lead when Bateman found a gap inside his own 22 and sprinted clear to score under the posts. Bentley converted once again.
The visitors added another three points after several phases close to the line. The hosts were caught offside, allowing Stanyon to reduce the deficit from the tee.
Despite Bridlington continuing to create chances near the try line, it was the Ensians who scored next. Eaves pounced on a handling error to claim his second try, with Bentley adding the extras.
As half-time approached, the hosts secured their bonus point when Bateman intercepted a pass from Ryan Murray close to the Old Otliensians line. He raced the length of the field to touch down under the posts, leaving Bentley with a straightforward conversion.
Bridlington hit back after Kees Miller broke through the defence before being brought down by Ali Campbell. From the next phase, Jimmy Thompson forced his way over the line.
However, the hosts had the final say in an entertaining first half. After Bridlington were caught offside, Bentley landed a penalty from the halfway line to give his side a 31–15 lead at the break.
The visitors enjoyed more possession at the start of the second half, but the Ensians were first to score again. Following a lineout, the ball was worked out to Bateman, who crossed to complete his hat-trick. Bentley converted.
Bridlington responded after another succession of penalties. A flowing backs move created space for Kop Harrison to touch down, although Stanyon was unable to convert.
The hosts extended their advantage when Noel Gilson drove forward, fending off Tom Harwood before scoring under the posts. Bentley added the conversion.
Amid a heated melee, Old Otliensians scored again through Isaac Gilson, who broke through the defence to touch down beneath the posts. Bentley converted once more.
Bridlington had the final say on the stroke of full-time. After the hosts were caught offside, Liam Braithwaite charged over for the visitors’ fifth try. Stanyon’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 52–25.
Report and photos by Alexander Fynn/ Echo Media Group.
