Otley Saracens 37, Manchester 2nds 17

SARACENS extended their winning run to nine matches in a typically competitive game with Manchester.

It was 22 minutes before Saracens opened the score with centres Simon Hawkins and Mark Billington combining well to put Phil Howell over in the corner.

This seems to spur Saracans into action and Dan Clappison stretched the lead with a penalty right on half-time.

Saracens started the second half as they had finished the first with good forward pressure. Peter Hall was stopped just short of the line and Ronnie Kelly picked up and drove over to score, Dan Clappison converting the try.

They were soon on the attack again from the restart and Leon Clarke was stopped a yard short of the line before Hawkins stretched the lead with a drop goal.

This stunned Manchester, who hit back strongly and eventually went over for a converted try.

Both sides were warming to the battle. Phil Howell ran the ball out of his own defence and Matthew Wright carried the move on before linking with the backs.

Leon Clarke provided the finishing touch when he showed a clean pair of heels to score a superb try.

Back came Manchester with some slick handling and their winger went in at the corner.

Saracens soon cancelled this out when Clappison intercepted a pass in his own 22 and raced away from the cover. He converted his own try.

Keeping the pressure on, Saracens came straight back and from a five-metre line-out Ronnie Kelly drove over for his second try.

Peter Hall had to retire and was replaced by Mike Allewell who had to play in the unaccustomed position of second row with Chris Booth moving to prop.

Manchester finished strongly with a try in the last minute.