Exeter 41

Otley 15

Their third long-distance National League One fixture proved a game too far as title favourites Exeter used their heavyweight forwards to good effect and had virtually secured the victory and the bonus point by the break.

By then Otley had lost winger Kyle Dench and centre Paul Mooney to injury and had Simon Binns operating on one leg which precluded tactical kicking from hand.

Ian Shuttleworth - a priceless substitute - had to take the goal kicks, where he had success with his one penalty chance and converted one try but struck the upright with his second effort.

With the forwards lined up for the kick-off, Exeter fly half Tony Yapp kicked high to the opposite wing, catching Otley napping and the ball was fumbled, finally going into touch.

Exeter's well-organised line-out went into immediate action.

A drive into the opponent's 22 and a good release brought full back Graydon Staniforth into the line at speed to slice through, Yapp converting for a dream start.

A fine touch kick shoved Otley into the home 22, where they conceded a penalty which was reversed when referee Tim Beddow was given advice he did not require and Shuttleworth duly obliged.

But Exeter returned to their set plan, which was to take the sting out of the only pack they feared, and when Otley were adjudged to be not releasing, the kick went into the corner where the drive produced a try for prop Dick Liddington.

Second row Chris Bentley was to follow suit from a similar situation, Yapp converting.

Just before half-time, centre Stephen Ward found a gap in midfield and for once Otley's usual blanket defence failed and he was able to give Yapp a simple walk-in, the conversion creating a virtually unassailable 26-3 lead.

But, not wishing to be overshadowed, Otley came out after the break with confidence and an early penalty successfully found touch in the home 22, where they were awarded a scrum 15 metres in.

This set up Binns for one of his little jinking runs which completely foxed the defence, Shuttleworth converting.

And after Yapp had for once chosen to kick for goal to keep the scoreboard ticking, Otley's replacement wingman Chris Hall flew over following crisp crossfield passing.

Suitably stung, Exeter returned to their favourite strategy, prop George Davis grounding after a drive in the 59th minute.

And after being held by strong Otley resistance, the home forwards released for Yapp to cut through and convert.

It all makes for an interesting return game on Saturday.

l Harrogate's Willie Raihania has been banned for three months after testing positive for marijuana. The suspension runs from February 20 (the original suspension date pending the hearing) to May 19.