SSE National League Two North

Otley 23, Chester 5

DIRECTOR of rugby James Tiffany was delighted to see his team raise their game after a couple of SSE National League Two North defeats, although it was not until the second half that they turned their superiority into points.

It was a war of attrition for the first 40 minutes, with Otley creating but scorning most of the opportunities as their pack shaded their bigger opponents while the home defence remained solid throughout.

Chester were given an early chance to move ahead but fly half William Goodwin was wide with a penalty but it was Otley who caught the eye.

A fine move starting in their 22 put winger Kristian Sharples away, and he chipped towards the posts when hemmed in, only for a bad bounce to deny Stephen Depledge a try.

Twice the ball was lost on the line but Depledge took his chance, kicking a penalty on 33 minutes for a slender half-time lead.

Otley's good work paid dividends after the break.

The forwards charged upfield before putting winger Harry Hudson away before the ball moved crossfield, where Sharples went in at the corner, Depledge converting to add to a second-half penalty.

Chester finally produced a score when replacement winger Ali Miller was given an open run in but Depledge kicked a third penalty in the final minute before Tom O’Donnell and hooker Mark Chivers combined to put Jamie Sutton in at the posts, giving Depledge a simple conversion.