OTLEY were also missing a few key players but won 34-28 at National League Three North Rossendale in what was a good work-out, fly half Joshua Cruise making an immediate impression by intercepting 30 metres out with two minutes on the clock to run in and convert, adding a penalty five minutes later.

The match was split into three periods, and Otley took advantage to change their personnel, giving new signings the chance to bed in.

Rossendale's hefty, mature forwards, who scored just before the first break from a five-metre line-out, meant that the hosts were only three points down at the end of the first stanza but Otley extended their advantage to 34-14 at the end of the second session before the hosts hit back to narrow the gap.

On Saturday, Otley take on National League Three Midlands Hinckley at Cross Green (3pm) in what is a family fun day, with the match being followed by a chairman's dinner at 5.30pm, when Paul Mackie will update members on his plan's for the club's future, while there will also be a question-and-answer session with the coaches about the forthcoming season.

Over 100 tickets have already been sold for the function, with Yorkshire Orchard Kitchen of Otley doing the catering.