Tynedale 40, Otley 17

Despite the final scoreline in this National League One clash this afternoon, the home supporters could not understand why it was Otley who were fighting relegation, saying they were the best rugby side to visit Corbridge this season.

They had been treated to a great display of running, with scarcely a pass dropped, but the home side’s forthright approach with a strong pack, though less entertaining, brought the desired result.

As in their most recent match, Otley found themselves at a quick disadvantage, going 19 points down after just nine minutes, but again they responded in style.

Gaining a foothold with a throw-in on the Otley 22, Tynedale drove well for No 8 Jamie Murray to go over, centre Rob Miller converting from wide out and, from the restart, Otley were caught short of defenders when the angle of attack was changed.

Fly half Gavin Beasley stepped out of a tackle to score, and four minutes later he was handed a try on a plate, Miller converting.

A penalty gave Otley a line-out on the home 22 where, after a solid drive, the ball was released and a long pass from James Murray found full back Chris Georgiou coming up at pace to slice through.

Four minutes later, when Tynedale dropped the ball when pressing on the Otley line, it was picked up by winger Curtis Wilson, who had the legs to outpace the cover and go in at the posts, James Murray converting.

Otley continued to ask questions of the home defence but they were forced back to their line, where a series of scrummages ended with Murray touching down, failing to add the conversion.

It was Otley to the fore after the break, the elusive Wilson again going close but they lost skipper Howard Parr, given a yellow card on a touch judge’s intervention, when he was far from what was a minor skirmish.

In his absence, Otley were again driven back over their line, sub Greg Irvin claiming the try, and centre Hamish Smales went over on 80 minutes, Miller converting both.

But there was still time for an Otley reply, prop Colin Quigley finishing off a good forward drive.