SSE National League Two North

Otley 39

Sedgley Park 10

RUNNING neck and neck in SSE National League Two North, Otley were expecting a difficult encounter at home to Sedgley Park, and that is how it started.

Park set a fast pace but were shown what to expect when they were hurtled back at the first scrum, and suffered similarly in the line-out.

The first try came on eight minutes, No 8 Freddie Watson picking up at the base of a scrum and breaking wide before feeding scrum half Stephen Depledge, who set the backs on their way, full back Arnie Ellison coming up to finish off.

Four minutes later, the pattern was reversed, Ellison breaking from deep and Depledge coming up to take a pass 40 metres out before outstripping the cover to score.

Stealing a Park line-out, Otley then moved the ball efficiently down the line, Ellison being up to take an inside pass and grab his second try.

Depledge converted from wide out, and the forwards were rewarded for the intense pressure they were applying when hooker Ben Steele grounded when they forced their way over the line.

Suddenly coming to life, the visitors hit back when they were allowed to claim their short restart, the ball being moved quickly to winger Curtis Strong, who fought his way over in the corner.

He then added a second just before the break when an Otley penalty failed to find touch, the ball being run back.

Though always in control, it was 17 minutes into the second half before Otley improved their score.

A chip through was chased and secured by winger Henry Hudson, the forwards then taking over for flanker Matt Heaton to touch down.

Another solid drive then had Park in disarray, the ball being moved out for winger Alex Beaumont to cross.

On 68 minutes, Otley won a line-out on their 22, and the ball was moved crossfield and back before centre Jack Mackie slipped through the cover for a glorious try, Depledge converting.