Pre-season friendly: Otley v Kirkby Lonsdale

WITH half a dozen players unavailable, Otley, who constantly rotated their squad of 26, were given some food for thought by visitors Kirkby Lonsdale, who finished second in North One West last season and lost a play-off 38-33 at home to Morley.

The match was played in four 20-minute periods, but at half-time Otley, who had had the wind in their faces, trailed 9-0 after continually falling foul of the referee in the scrum and loose.

Eventually settling down, Otley cut up the middle in style, prop Tiploma Kivalu, who has signed from Coventry, racing to the posts from 30 metres out.

But it was late in the game before they sealed a win with tries from winger Alex Beaumont and Ben Hudson, full back Tom Hodson converting each.

Otley, who complete their pre-season fixtures at Billingham on Saturday, are asking for volunteers on Sunday morning for a painting session to ensure that their refurbishment exteriors and changing rooms are finished.

The clubhouse improvements are moving on apace, including new doors, windows and flooring and a sponsors' balcony, and they will be officially opened at the National League Two North derby against Wharfedale on Saturday, September 10.

The kick-off time has been brought forward an hour to 2pm because of a long-standing wedding reception.