National League Two North: Otley 33 Sheffield Tigers 34

WITH a chance to consolidate their league position as their opponents were second from bottom, Otley found themselves 18-5 down after 22 minutes.

They later compounded their lack of application when, having turned the match around to establish a five-point lead with eight minutes remaining, they failed to keep control of the ball, allowing former Otley fly half Mark Ireland penalty chances on 75 and 79 minutes.

Despite previously missing a conversion, the former Cross Green favourite, not long returned to the game, landed both to end with 19 points, and the win may well save Sheffield Tigers from the drop.

On a bright day this game was played at pace and, as a consequence, there were many errors, the first coming from the kick-off when a rebound flew back into Sheffield hands for winger Jamie Broadley to run back unhampered to the line, Ireland failing with the conversion.

Setting the format for the day, Otley quickly replied, winger Paul Petchey tearing through a sketchy defence to pave the way for hooker Luke Chadwick to score.

Lively veteran full back Peter Swatkins then took a pass to race up the touchline, Ireland converting the try before adding a couple of penalties.

Prop Tipiloma Kivalu then drove over for Otley and flanker Sam Hudson followed, full back Tom Hodson converting the latter, and, on the stroke of half-time, centre Mike Coady split the defence to put fellow centre Jack Mackie over and Otley were 22-18 ahead.

Seven minutes after the break, Broadley grabbed his second try, which Ireland converted, Otley replying with a try from Coady and a penalty from replacement Jack Blakeney Edwards to keep their lead.

When Ireland landed a further penalty, Blakeney-Edwards replied, but Ireland then made Tigers' day with his two late penalties.