Otley 34, Cambridge 25

Otley ran in five tries against one of the pre-season favourites for promotion.

Victory saw them remain the top points scorers in the league, while also having the meanest defence.

They did blot their copy book by allowing Cambridge a couple of scores late in the game but the win was never in doubt.

The strong wind played a major part and it was Otley who harnessed its powers to the greatest effect.

They covered well when the visitors had first advantage, restricting them to one converted try and a couple of penalties to turn round just 11-7 down at the break.

So well were they able to keep control that it was 21 minutes before Cambridge made the first breakthrough. Winger Paul Kendall was put over in the corner but two minutes later, Ian Shuttleworth had Otley in front when he came into the line at speed to cut through and then added the extras.

Otley continued to hold their opponents at bay until the 30th minute when fly half Gareth Cull kicked a penalty. He struck a second just on half-time but it was a slender lead to have to defend against in the conditions as they were soon to discover.

Six minutes after the restart they lost Cull to the sin bin for not releasing, Shuttleworth kicking the penalty.

Taking full advantage, the home forwards drove sub hooker Scott Plevey over and Shuttleworth came up to make the extra man and cross the line, running round to the posts for an easy conversion.

This was quickly followed by a try from Danny Smith.

A lapse let centre James Shanahan in for a try, converted by Cull, but Otley's forwards had Cambridge in such trouble that they conceded a penalty try, Shuttleworth again converting.

Although visiting substitute centre Philip Reed scored on 79 minutes, it in no way detracted from the victory.