National League Two North: Otley 28 Luctonians 32

DEFENCE and decision making were far from Otley's mind, and once again they scorned a win and the points which would by now have them near the top of the league.

It was well demonstrated at kick-off when Stephen Depledge, breaking from a line-out, could not find his partner, the loose ball being snapped up by Luctonians and, choosing the blind-side where there was little cover, winger Joshua Watkins raced in for a converted try.

Conversely, in the dying moments, Otley broke from their 22 and made it to the visitors' line, only to move the ball the wrong way when a winning score was laid on.

To give them credit, Otley soon replied to that early score, left winger Kristian Sharples crossing in the corner for Depledge to level with a fine conversion, but they then let Watkins in for his second try.

Luctonians defended well when they had prop Anthony Marfell in the sin-bin but 14 minutes later, with the visitors' No 8 Max Hill yellow-carded, Otley hit back from a line-out, smart work from flanker Matt Heaton putting him in under the posts, Depledge claiming the lead with his conversion.

However, the Midlanders took the lead right on half-time when full back John Morris kicked a 40-metre penalty.

Otley were bossing the scrummages but were sadly outplayed in the line-out and, losing their throw four minutes into the second half, Watkins went in for his hat-trick, while opposite winger Jimmy Norris was put in from a straightforward move.

The hosts then raised their game, Heaton grabbing a second try, followed by the best move of the day when centre James White scored, replacement Joshua Cruise converting both for a three-point lead.

They appeared to be holding out until a penalty set up a five-metre line-out from where flanker Aiden Cheshire went over to spoil Otley's day, Morris converting.