A SECOND half resurgence by Macclesfield saw them defeat Otley 31-22 in National League Two North action on Saturday.

The turnaround after half-time saw Otley miss on a bonus point and the bottom of the league side earn their first win of the season.

Otley have never won at Priory Park and the early signs were, having scored four tries in the first half, they were going to break that duck.

However, Macclesfield found their form in the second half to leave Otley out in the cold.

Macc could not cope with Otley in the opening quarter. Moving the ball from right to left in the 22, Jack Mackie went over in the corner after just four minutes.

Otley were halted in their next attack but came straight back, catching Macclesfield offside on their 10-metre line.

Putting the ball into the corner, the Otley pack drove the ball over, with Adam Malthouse touching down to make it 5-0.

At the end of the first quarter, still camped in Macc’s half, George Burkinshaw ran onto Joe Graham’s grubber kick to score.

Ten minutes later, Tom Morton sliced through the Otley defence setting up Myles Hall a 25 run for the line. Morton added the conversion to reduce Otley's advantage to 10-7.

With two minutes to go in the first half, Graham broke through their defence setting up Ben Magee to score with Ben Smith adding Otley’s only conversion.

Macclesfield got their second try just before half-time when Luke Simpson went over in the corner.

Otley had chances early in the second half, but failed to take them.

Sensing that an upset was on the table, Macclesfield took the game to Otley scoring three tries, the first through great interplay by their backs.

Otley were guilty of not ensuring they kept possession of the ball or gave it away too cheaply, which lead to further tries in quick succession by Sam Parry and Jordan Davies.

With four minutes to go and now looking for a second bonus for their efforts, Otley were able to work the ball out of their 22 to the half way line, but a knock-on brought the game to an end.

Macclesfield got their first win of the season, but are still of the bottom of the National League Two North on points difference.

Otley sit in 11th place with 14 points, having won three and lost three.

NICK DOYLE