Otley 25 Leicester Lions 15

Otley produced a grandstand finish to seal a fine comeback after they were 15-3 down.

With just one league point separating the two teams and little between their points difference, it looked like a draw was on the cards midway through the second half.

The Cross Greeners began well, star prop Paul Hill setting the tone with a great drive through midfield – the first of many – but a turnover saw the Lions run the ball back, full back Jacob Knight coming up on the outside to score.

They went further ahead when scrum half Gerhard Boshoff, a livewire throughout, kicked a penalty.

Otley were finding it difficult to find their recent good form but did get into the game when full back Mark Ireland kicked a penalty on 40 minutes.

However, they were soon in trouble after the break, the Lions forwards driving with vigour from a line-out and lock Thomas Cheney scoring for Boshoff to convert.

Now 12 points adrift, Otley raised their game. Centre James White cut through to find Ireland, now restored to fly half, on his shoulder and he was able to set Hill up for a try and then convert.

Stealing possession in a line-out, Otley swung the ball cross-field and then back for winger Harry Hudson to speed in at the corner.

He moved his side ahead with a 70th-minute penalty and then, after spectacular play had produced a try for lock Simon Willett, he completed a simple conversion.