National League Two North: Otley 15 Preston Grasshoppers 8

DESPITE a 17- 3 away win in November, Otley were expecting a tough encounter with Grasshoppers on a seven- match unbeaten run, and so it proved.

But Otley's excellent defence took them to a 5-3 half-time advantage, and the hosts commanded the second half.

The visitors made the early running, with former Wharfedale winger Scott Jordan threatening when put away, only to be hauled down just short, and their forwards showing their prowess with a fine rolling maul which produced a penalty.

Full back Sean Taylor failed to convert that but he made no mistake when given a 30-metre chance under the posts on ten minutes.

Encouraged by this start, the visitors swept forward but could make no impression as Otley began to gain a slight ascendency in the scrummaging and line-out, giving them attacking opportunities which bore fruit on 25 minutes.

Clearing an attack on their line, Preston immediately found themselves back in trouble when a penalty had them  defending a five-metre line-out, where a drive enabled lock Declan Dunn to crash over.

Conditions were against a high-scoring game but Otley came out after the break in determined mood, centre Michael Coady making a fine break and picking up a penalty, which was missed.

However, coming straight back, Otley's forwards attacked, good handling taking them across the field for Coady to come in at an angle and run in at the posts, skipper Stephen Depledge converting.

The visitors lifted their game to get replacement winger Jack Walker over in the corner but when fly half Mark Murray was sin-binned for tripping, Otley's replacement kicker Joshua Cruise made no mistake to ease matters.

Although Grasshoppers were within reach of a draw and produced a last-minute scare for Otley, the visitors had to settle for a bonus point.