National League Two North: Stourbridge 25 Otley 5

THE difference between these two sides was that Stourbridge, after giving Otley first use of an extremely strong wind, took full advantage after the break, soon overtaking a meagre 8-5 deficit.

The home side, one place higher in the league, of necessity chose to run the ball.,

Kicks of any height were blown backwards, and with Otley following the same path, a hard but open game ensued.

But the Cross Green boys have suddenly failed to spot gaps, twice ignoring overlaps.

Eventually centre Michael Coady, on 20 minutes, receiving from a scrum 30 metres out, broke through a tackle and, wrong footing the full back, swept over, Stephen Depledge's conversion attempt striking the upright.

Stourbridge soon replied. Stealing possession at the base of an Otley scrum 25 metres out, they were awarded a penalty, flanker Joe Carpenter taking a quick tap to dart through for a try.

Depledge put his side back in front with a penalty, and they turned round with this small advantage, which lasted just two minutes, fly half Chris Scott kicking a penalty.

With the battle fairly even, he added a second on 59 minutes.

Regularly pushed back by accurate use of the wind, Otley were put under great pressure, lock Chris Depper and hooker Billy Harding each grounding from strong forward drives, and Scott converting both.