Hull Ionians 32 Otley 3

RELEGATED after just one season in SSE National League One, Ionians have made a good start in their bid for a quick return, sharing top spot with fellow newcomers Ampthill.

After demolishing neighbours Hull last week, they set about Otley who, once again, found their speedy, attacking rugby negated by a more muscular, steadfast, approach which won the day.

Once again, Otley demonstrated their ability to open up defences but they were profligate with their passing under pressure, which led to a maul and inevitably then a turnover to the more forward-oriented hosts.

Ionians took the lead with a penalty from scrum half Isaac Green, when Otley were caught offside, but they were then held at bay until the 33rd minute, when full back Mike Bateman came into the line to put winger Sam Wilson over, Green adding the conversion.

Just before the break, scrum half Stephen Depledge reduced the arrears with a penalty for Otley but, on the resumption, they were driven back over their line, where No 8 Danny Haigh made the touchdown, Green converting before adding a penalty two minutes later.

Though threatening, Otley were unable to prosper, having to work hard to contain the forceful home forwards.

They did that until the 53rd minute when, following a driving maul, an astute crosskick from No 10 Chris Reakes fell handily for Wilson to claim his second try, and the bonus point came when replacement scrum half Adam Thomas made a break down an unguarded middle of the pitch, finding Haigh in support for his second touchdown.