Pack power wins the day for Otley against Blaydon

OTLEY'S forwards dominated this National League Two North match, enabling the Cross Greeners to secure their second five-pointer of the season.

Having kicked off, Blaydon blunted Otley’s attack and eventually reclaimed the ball, Andrew Miller running on to his own kick to score after three minutes, with Joe Whyman adding the conversion.

Within two minutes, however, Brett Mitchell had picked up a loose ball in his own half and Joe Rowntree and Nick Coupland went forward, with Mike Coady going in under the posts for Rowntree to convert.

Otley then took the lead after an exchange of converted penalties when Blaydon gave away another penalty.

The ball was put into the corner and the home forwards walked the ball over, with Mitchell touching down.

However, Blaydon restored parity after Drew Davison set Harry Borthwick through, with Whyman adding the extras.

The visitors were beginning to struggle at the scrum though and were giving away penalties.

Another penalty was put into the corner and Otley then moved the ball towards the posts, with Joe Graham scoring his seventh try of the season.

Rowntree converted but then missed a long-range penalty that brought the half to a close with the hosts leading 24-17.

In the second half, Otley scored a penalty try after Henry Roberts, George Burkinshaw and Rowntree did the hard yards.

The home side then scored three penalties to put the game beyond Blaydon, and although the visitors continued to press they could not breach Otley’s defence.