Hull Ionians 31 Otley 22

Not for the first time, Otley suffered from the lack of a recognised goal kicker, contriving to miss five kickable chances, two penalties and three conversions, all from short range.

Hull's No 10 James Ferguson, also from in front of the posts, succeeded with three penalties and a conversion. In addition they also had two of their backs in the sin-bin together for a period during the second-half.

With two more of Otley's backs out injured, they still performed well against play-off hopefuls Ionians but gave them a start with a brace of penalties under the posts which were duly accepted by fly-half Ferguson.

 They frittered a chance of their own, only to receive a setback when centre Richard Fletcher was allowed to break through and put full-back Mike Bateman over, Ferguson converting and then adding a second penalty.

Sixteen points down, Otley responded well, excellent driving from the pack saw No 6 Jonathan Matthews and prop Adam Blades score just before the break and they were looking good after the restart until pushed back to their line by a penalty, where the home pack responded, No 8 Danny Hague grounding.

Straight back on attack, Dan Temm finished off another good forward drive, this one converted by James Twomey but there was luck for Ionians when a chip through by Ferguson bounced from an Otley foot into the hands of winger Sam Wilson to dash over.

Hooker Ben Steele grounded from a drive to get Otley within four points but the Hull side made the game safe with a second try from Hague.