National League Two North: Tynedale 38 Otley 20

THE way that Otley started gave the appearance that their moderate away form was a thing of the past.

For the first ten minutes, they had Tynedale struggling inside their 22 and it was unfortunate that they failed to score.

However, in the 12th minute the visitirs conceded a penalty which gave the home side an attacking line-out, where quick, clean ball had them stretching Otley, winger Oli Walker scoring, and this manoeuvre was repeated just four minutes later, this time scrum half Dan Taylor grabbing a try.

Tom Hodson was on target for Otley with a penalty on 24 minutes but Tynedale were finding their rhythm.

Excellent approach work ended with winger Rob Parker crossing, fly half Ash Smith adding the conversion and, continuing in that vein, they added a fourth try on 34 minutes to seal a bonus point, lock Graeme Dunn grounding after a forward drive, with Smith again on target with the conversion.

Struggling manfully, Otley gained some reward with a well-orchestrated drive, prop George Burkinshaw scoring and Hodson converting to take Otley into double figures.

Six minutes after the break, Tynedale moved further ahead, with flanker Joe Mills going over and Smith again converting.

However, Otley have it in them to produce some top-class rugby, and they did to get winger Henry Roberts over in the 56th minute, only for the home side to hit back three minutes later, replacement back-rower Tom McCullough being driven over for Smith to convert.

Otley managed a third try through skipper No 8 Freddie Watson just before the end but it gained them nothing in terms of league points.