Otley 29, Sheffield Tigers 23

Having come second best in their last four SSE National League Two North games, Otley knew they were in for a fight against Sheffield Tigers who, with nine wins on the trot, were flying high - but they rose to the challenge magnificently.

They set out their stall immediately, a great follow-up of their kick-off securing the ball.

The Tigers were having to defend like demons to keep their line intact, which they managed for eight minutes before centre Michael Coady cut them wide open, and the ever-present No 7 Dan Temm was with him to finish off, stand-in kicker Stephen Depledge converting.

Otley continued to threaten, a fine run by James Twomey just failing near the line, and it was 14 minutes before Sheffield fought their way into the home half, where they were awarded a penalty which was kicked by fly half Tom Outram, who added a second eight minutes later on their second venture into the hosts' territory.

Settling down, the visitors began to show their merit and they took the lead right on half-time when, after solid forward play, full back Peter Swatkin came upfield to score, Outram, who had a 100 per cent success rate, converting.

But just after the break, Harry Hudson, having moved to full back, ran back a kick ahead to slice through, the ball then quickly being thrown out to Twomey, who went over.

The forwards were now enjoying themselves, and from a throw-in a rolling maul took them 24 metres to the line, No 6 Jonathan Matthews grounding.

After a third penalty from Outram, he was there again from a shorter drive. Then, on 75 minutes, taking a pass from Twomey in a crowd on halfway, he wormed his way through to return the ball for the winger to race to the posts, Depledge converting.

With little time left, the visitors rallied and managed a try, lock Gregor Haytor finishing off good forward work, and then came the final whistle.