SSE National League Two: Chester 40, Otley 12

SHORT of specialist replacements, Otley had to make a number of changes, with both half-backs and a prop being injured during their previous week’s display in which they beat high-flying Hull Ionians.

Winger Kristian Sharples took Stephen Depledge's No 9 spot and Jack Mackie was moved from his successful centre partnership with Michael Coady to play at fly half.

There was also trouble in the front row, with replacement Jason Moss off with a broken finger, an absence that was exacerbated when skipper and fellow prop Adam Blades had to be subbed on 28 minutes, which involved Mark Chivers moving to prop and Ben Steele coming in to hook.

Playing into a fierce wind, Otley had no chance to clear with the boot but made a good start with their ball retention.

However, running the ball following a forward drive, Chester got winger Craig Ross over in the corner after ten minutes.

But Otley immediately replied. Their re-start was kicked back to them, Coady making a beautiful break to set winger Harry Hudson on a speedy 50-metre run to the line.

With the aid of the wind, Chester were keeping play in and around the Otley 22, and inevitably a penalty into the corner set up a drive, former Otley and Bees No 8 Guy Ford grounding in the 21st minute.

He added a second seven minutes later, and he was followed over the line by lock Ross White.

Otley were unable to cope and, just before the break, they allowed centre Rhys Hayes to race through the middle for a try.

Failing to take advantage of the wind in the second half, the visitors went further behind, Ford completing his hat-trick, Hayes converting.

Ross then grabbed his second but there was a reply when replacement Harry Wales sprinted over from a line-out, Mackie converting. With the wind finally abating, Hayes ended the game with a penalty.