Otley 46, Sheffield Tigers 28 Newly-promoted Sheffield Tigers provided stiff opposition on their first visit to Cross Green but Otley responded to claim victory, though the result was in the balance until late on.

The hosts gained an early penalty, kicked by James Keinhorst, but were unprepared for the onslaught that hit them as Tigers ran in 21 points in 20 minutes.

Strong running found the gaps, No 7 Callum Mac-Kenzie crossing near the posts. When the Otley scrum was turned, the visitors won the reset and quick handling down the line gave winger James Broadley an easy run to the line. Similar action from a line-out provided him with a second try, fly half Jonathan West converting all three.

Otley struck back vigorously when James Twomey was held short of the line but the ball was retrieved and the ubiquitous No 7 Daniel Temm strode over.

Tigers found themselves under pressure as prop Jonathan McMillan powered over from a five-metre line-out, Keinhorst converting each one.

A quickly-taken tap penalty by Mark Gemmell, who was having a great game behind the scrum, set up Temm for his second try for a one-point half-time lead.

Yellow cards for centre Tom Outram (35 minutes) and lock Gregor Haytor (54) did not aid Tigers’ cause and, 15 minutes after the break, Temm completed his hat-trick, Keinhorst converting.

Lock Tom O’Donnell showed pace to race in and establish a 34-22 lead.

The visitors got back in contention when Broadley went in for his third try, converted by West, but touchdowns from sub No 8 Chris Hill and full back Ben Collins, plus a conversion, made the game safe.