SSE National League Two North

Hull 30

Otley 13

WITH Hull battling with Birmingham and Luctonians, all on 38 points, to avoid the second relegation spot from SSE National League Two North and having suffered a 30-0 drubbing at Cross Green last November, it looked like an Otley victory was on the cards – even though they have yet to win at Hull.

The visitors' spritely start backed up that belief, Stephen Depledge breaking from the base of a scrum to draw the defence before speedy, accurate, passing had winger Harry Hudson steaming in at the corner on just four minutes.

It took only seven minutes for Hull to strike back, centre Ali Heard cutting through to put debutant former Bulls player Jamie Foster over.

But Otley again sliced open the home defence with sheer speed, Hudson again producing the finish.

A penalty from Depledge helped Otley along but the home forwards were beginning to show their worth and, by way of a penalty, they got a five-metre line-out where, after failing with their initial drive, they maintained the pressure to get prop Paul Sewell over, Foster converting before adding a penalty on 50 minutes.

Good approach work by Otley seemed to be at an end, only for replacement Joe Armitage to almost find a way through but their revival was short lived, a well-organised drive from a line-out putting them under pressure.

No 8 Phil Eggleshaw grounded, Foster converting from the touchline before kicking a penalty in the final minute.