THE TOWN OF OTLEY
In his book ‘English Rugby Clubs’ Chris Harte described the town in this way:- “There is much to see in Otley. An ancient bridge of seven arches; numerous old coaching inns and a church which has its origins in Norman days. Above the narrow streets of Otley rises the Chevin, a great hill ridge with a glorious panoramic view of the gleaming river amongst the woods and meadows, and down below is the market town.”

OTLEY RUFC AND SCRUM HALFS
Otley RUFC’s junior section has produced two English International scrum-halfs, Nigel Melville (b.1961) – now Director of Professional Rugby for the RFU, and Danny Care (b.1987), currently in the England squad for the recent World Cup in France and the holder of 96 caps.

PREVIOUS TYNEDALE/OTLEY MEETINGS
The two clubs first played each other in a “friendly” on the 16th February 1980 at Cross Green, with Otley winning by a point.
1979/80 Otley 14 Tynedale 13
Another four friendly club matches between the clubs, pre-dating the introduction of league rugby in England in 1987, resulted in four further victories for Otley.

FIRST EVER LEAGUE MATCH
On the 12th September 1987 the very ever first league match for Tynedale was against Otley, and took place at Cross Green in North Division One. Otley won 24-0; their sixth successive win against Tynedale.

RECENT OTLEY/ TYNEDALE MATCHES

2017/2018 Tynedale 69 Otley 10
2017/2018 Otley 27 Tynedale 38
2018/2019 Otley 32 Tynedale 17
2018/2019 Tynedale 25 Otley 22
2019/2020 Tynedale 34 Otley 34
2019/2020 Otley 16 Tynedale 13
2022/2023 Tynedale 22 Otley 25
2022/2023 Otley 22 Tynedale 24

In a total of 19 league matches between the sides Tynedale have won 11, Otley have won 6 , with 2 matches drawn.

OTLEY THIS SEASON
Otley currently sit one place below Tynedale in the league with 2 fewer points, both sides having won 2 of their 8 matches to date. Otley’s last two results, including last week’s narrow defeat at Leeds Tykes, suggest Tyne are in for a very tough match.

Otley’s league results to date:-
Otley 27 Hull 32
Leeds Tykes 31 Otley 18
Otley 24 Sheffield Tigers 31
Preston Grasshoppers 26 Otley 41
Otley 10 Billingham 12
Wharfedale 31 Otley 7
Otley 45 Lymm 34
Rotherham 34 Otley 32

OTLEY WEBSITE
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/otley

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Nathan Howarth
AR1: Richard Arthur
AR2: Don Helme

OTLEY GTOUND
Cross Green,
Otley,
West Yorkshire.
LS21 1HE
Tel: 01943 461180

CORBRIDGE TO OTLEY
107 miles (2 hours)

WEATHER FORECAST
Dry, sunny, light northerly wind, 9 degrees

SELECTED SQUAD