Luctonians 27, Otley 19

LUCTONIANS played the elements well to seal the National Two North points as Otley missed out after heading south for the second week running.

This time Otley were without back-row star Freddie Watson and dynamic winger Gareth Newman, who is likely to miss the remainder of the season after picking up a serious knee injury in the 25-5 loss at Stourbridge.

A very windy day and heavy pitch was appreciated by the hosts, while Otley persisted in their normal style which just failed them.

In only the second minute, Luctonians full back Johnnie Morris came up alongside winger Alex James to take an inside pass and race over, fly half Louis Silver converting.

But Otley struck straight back, with forwards and three quarters combining skilfully to put lock Jonathan Stannard in.

Intelligent use of the wind kept Luctonians on top and a strong maul had Otley on the retreat, lock John Kelly breaking off to score on 16 minutes.

Silver landed a 40-metre penalty and just when Otley appeared to be hanging on until half-time, lock Dan Smith crossed from a line-out, Silver converting.

With a mountain to climb, Otley got stuck in and powerful scrummaging claimed a penalty try ten minutes after the break.

Then six minutes later, centre Michael Coady produced one of his strong bursts to claim a try, with scrum half Stephen Depledge converting both.

Otley were now back in the game, only for Smith to settle the issue by crashing over from loose play.