Newbury Blues were involved in one of only two games to survive the frozen conditions on Saturday against Otley at Monks Lane. Newbury Racecourse were the ones to thank for the game to even go ahead due to them lending the rugby club a cover for the pitch. The Blues will be doubly thankful as they recorded a vital win.

It was a tight first half with both teams exchanging tries. Newbury were awarded a penalty try after Otley constantly kept collapsing the scrum. Otley came back with a try of their own, and it was level pegging at half time at 7-7.

Newbury couldn't have wished for a worser start to the second half as Otley scored straight from the kick off. But Newbury stepped it up a gear and started to put the visitors under pressure. Chris Ridges returned from a broken leg and immediately made an impact as he scored a trademark try in the corner. Newbury continued to put pressure on Otley and as ever this season the forwards performed superbly. The pressure told as Newbury scored another try and went on to win the match 20-14.

You can hear the post match interview from first team coach Andy Widdop by pressing play on the right hand side.