Wharfedale Sport

Cup double header for Otley's new-look squad

9:29am Thursday 29th July 2010

OTLEY will face their old foes Wharfedale in the first round of this season’s Yorkshire Cup.

But their clash with the holders has already created a dilemma for both clubs.

The Yorkshire Rugby Union want all first round ties played before September 15, but both clubs have no free pre-season Saturday dates.

With neither club wanting to change their pre-season programme nor to play in midweek, they have agreed that their National League One fixture at The Avenue on September 11 will be a double header.

The decision has prevented the unwanted situation of one of the clubs having to withdraw.

Otley director of rugby Gary Walker said: “We both have established pre-season fixtures which we don’t want to scrap.

“It was agreed that it would be better for both clubs if the league game also counted as the cuyp tie.”

That in itself could throw up some logistical problems, Walker said: “I am going to have to look at the rules. Obviously it could be interesting if the match is drawn.”

Previous cup ties between the clubs have always produced a clear result and Otley have won all of them – two in the National Cup and two in the Yorkshire Cup.

After retaining their National League One status in dramatic style on the final day of last season, Walker has been busy rebuilding his Otley squad.

Five of the club’s talented young players from last season have moved on.

England U20’s, hooker George Warner has joined Moseley, second row Alex Ball has been signed by Birmingham, flanker Chris Walker has moved to Doncaster Knights and prop Colin Quigley has returned to Rotherham following his loan spell. In addition, fly half James Murray has decided to go and play on the continent.

“I am delighted that four of our young players are moving up to play championship rugby. That is in line with our goal to develop young players and to move them forward in their rugby careers.

“Now we have taken the opportunity to add a few players with experience of playing at a higher level so that the young players who gained National League One experience last season can continue to progress.

“We have to be mindful that we do not have the financial resources of many of our rivals, however, I believe we might surprise a few people this time.”

Walker has certainly added an international flavour to his squad with Romanian, Samoan, Australian and New Zealand players among his new recruits. He also has a convert from rugby league.

The Romanian is prop Eddie Peglau. He played at under-18 level for his country and has joined from Leeds Carnegie.

In the second row Australian Dallas Pawley, who has played first grade with Randwick will be competing for a place alongside inspirational skipper Howard Parr.

Kiwi Robert Afoa-Peterson will add his considerable experience to the back row.

He is 30 and has played professionally for seven years in France with Cergy-Pontoise.

The second New Zealander is full back Brian Parsons who has played with Kaikoura.

There could be some interesting competition at half back where Samoan Jervis Manupenu has been recruited from Bracknell and will be battling for the number 10 shirt with Ben Collins who has joined from Doncaster Rugby League.

To add to the international experience, back rower Jamie Sutton, a former Rotherham player, returns after three years playing for French club Stade Domontois.

Otley's 2010-11 squad

Props: Adam Blades, Gareth Denman, Chris Hamill, Adam Kemsley (Bracknell & Buckinghamshire), Jason Moss, Eddie Peglau (Leeds Carnegie Academy),Cameron Zeiss.

Hookers: Harry Hannan (Leeds Carnegie Academy), Ben Steele, Peter Tennet (Westoe).

Second rows: Mark Bennett, Howard Parr, Dallas Pawley (Randwick, Australia).

Back rows: Joe Quinn, Tom O’Donnell, Robert Afoa-Peterson (Cergy-Pontoise, France), Richard Beck,Steve Costello, Stu Costello, Gareth Drabble,Oliver Stedman, Jamie Sutton (Stade Domontois, France)

Scrum halfs: Matthew Birch (Old Otliensians), Steve Depledge, Craig Hampson.

Fly halfs: Ben Collins (Doncaster Rugby League), Jervis Manupenu (Bracknell and Berkshire).

Centres: Joe Barker, Oli Denton , Joel Gill, Toby Quarendon (Leeds Carnegie Academy), Oli Richards (Leeds Carnegie Academy),James White

Wings: Nazir Karim (Prince Henry’s, Otley), Mark Kirkby, James Twomey, Curtis Wilson, Tim Mobbs.

Full backs: Ryan Duckett, Christian Georgiou, Brian Parsons (Kaikoura, New Zealand), Jimmy Keinhorst (Heidleberg)

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