Birmingham Solihull 23 Otley 25 OTLEY needed a last-minute penalty from Stephen Depledge to secure victory in a National League Two North game they should have won more comfortably.

The Cross Greeners were guilty of giving away too many penalties and it was from one of these that Birmingham took an 11th minute lead through stand-offAdam Canning.

Otley replied quickly with newly-returned Jamie Sutton finishing off a good forward move. Depledge converted and then, with a classic dummy at the base of the scrum, scored a fine try.

Canning was presented with a second penalty chance but Otley were not to be denied.

They won a Birmingham line-out and ran the ball wide before centre Michael Coady chipped back to the posts where lock Jack Scott Paul beat the cover to touch down. Depledge converted for a 19-6 lead.

Right on half-time a penalty had Otley back on their line where lock Chris Goddard was driven over and seven minutes into the second half, this move was repeated.

Canning’s conversion brought the hosts to within a point.

A penalty from Depledge eased the situation slightly but a 75th-minute try from sub Liam Dunne had Birmingham in front.

When a kick from Depledge went wide it looked all over but he was to get a second chance which he took.