Preston Grasshoppers 37 Otley 22

Preston proved an unhappy hunting ground again for Otley, who lost their third league match on the bounce there.

A slight advantage in the forwards gave the strong- running home backs plenty of ball to keep Otley defending for most of the first half, fly half Mark Ireland keeping them in the game with three 40-metre penalties and striking the upright with another.

Ireland’s first penalty on three minutes got the visitors off to a good start but Preston soon found their stride.

Shunning a kick at goal, they set up a five-metre line-out from which centre John Ward slipped over, fly-half Lewis Allen converting.

Penalties from Ireland on 12 and 15 minutes put Otley ahead but the advantage was short-lived.

Allowing Preston to gather their restart, the Cross Greeners were wrong-footed and No 7 Edward Lester went over, Allen again converting.

Otley finally shook off the shackles and produced a fluent move, sadly terminating with a wild pass as the line beckoned.

Just before the break a five-metre scrum brought a try for No 8 Dominic Moon to give the hosts a 19-9 lead.

A penalty at the restart had Otley defending a five-metre line-out, lock Alexander Austin forcing his way over.

Beginning to play their best rugby, the West Yorkshire side pulled themselves back into the game.

Another Ireland penalty and then a converted penalty try got them into bonus-point territory.

This was spoiled by an Allen penalty but Ireland repaired the damage, only to see Allen on the mark again.

It was all over for Otley when, trying to run from their 22, they lost possession for Moon to grab his second try, that man Allen converting.