AT the eighth attempt, Otley finally subdued Leicester Lions at their home ground on Saturday.

Their rock solid performance, which featured four tries, saw them beat the home team 30-14.

In doing so, Otley maintained the pressure on the top four. Currently fifth in National League Two North, they now trail leaders Hull Ionians by just seven points.

In an assured performance, Otley took their chances and overcame continued pressure throughout the game, and came away with five points.

Otley wanted to tame the Lions from the outset, and an opportunity when Harry Skelton broke down the blindside, Tom De Glanville provided the support but the pass went into touch.

James Dyson broke through with Skelton in support, although Otley were unable to offload over the line.

The Otley pack then roared, pushing the Lions off their ball and Adam Malthouse touching down, Ben Smith adding the conversion.

The visitors extended their lead four minutes later, having taken a Lions line-out on the left-hand side.

They then moved the ball across the pitch, Josh Hall bullying his way through two defenders to score in the corner.

The Lions then scored a penalty after Otley held onto the ball for too long, followed by a second penalty six minutes before the end of the half to make the score 14-6.

Otley kicked off the second half and went further ahead when the Lions were penalised for being off-side three minutes in, Ben Smith slotting the ball through.

This was negated a minute later after a high tackle, Max Titchener scored his third penalty of the game.

Smith then got his second after Otley pressure in the Lions’ 22.

Oli Tapscott brought the Lions to within four points after a period of sustained pressure, a rolling maul breaching Otley’s defence.

Ben Magee had a run down the open side and although the ball was lost, it was regained from the scrum and went back to Magee, whose diagonal run took him to the line. Otley saw out the game, Joe Graham being involved in the early build up, with Tom De Glanville streaking down the blindside to score with three minutes to go.

NICK DOYLE