Derby decided by width of a post as Hull prevail over free-flowing Otley

The lead changed hands four times, and Otley could’ve snatched a late victory with an injury time penalty.

However, the kick hit the upright and bounced out.

The West Yorkshire side had edged the first half 23-27, with centre Mike Coady scoring two tries and wingers James Wood and James Twomey also scoring, while scrum-half Stephen Depledge kicked two conversions and a penalty. Hull stayed in striking distance with winger Alex Piercy and second-row Chris Murphy scoring tries, while stand-off Greg Lound kicked both conversions and three penalties.

Shortly after the break Depledge extended Otley’s lead with another penalty, but it was to prove their final score.

Now seven points behind, Hull chipped away at that deficit with Lound slotting over penalties on 50, 51 and 55 minutes to put his side into the lead before the late drama unfolded. It was Hull’s second win and Otley’s second defeat.

Huddersfield were beaten 38-8 at home by Hull Ionians who consolidated second position with their seventh straight win.

The home side took the lead in the Yorkshire derby with a penalty early on but for the next 20 minutes found themselves under constant pressure as the visitors looked to make an immediate impact. Hull claimed the advantage when second rower Joe Makin made a neat break and offloaded for flanker Joe Sanders to score under the posts.

The visitors went on to score four tries in total during the first half, including one for Makin and a brace from winger Will Heylings to set up a 26-3 advantage.

Huddersfield began to come more into the game during the build-up to half-time but, in playing catch-up, they decided to spurn penalty kicks in favour of going for tries which failed to materialise.

Dan Hyde’s men came out strongly after the restart but once more, after the storm had been weathered, Ionians were able to get back on the try trail through full-back Michael Bateman. A further score through the forwards took the game completely out of reach at 38-3. Jack Moon try in the dying minutes was at least some reward for Huddersfield’s perseverance.

Sheffield Tigers recorded a 
20-18 win over Stockport, where the key to their success was Tom Outram whose tight management of the game and deadly kicking gave Tigers the edge.

Slick handling and a good understanding within the team resulted in the first Tigers try as right-winger Liam Wallace went over.

The resulting conversion was way out on the touchline but Outram stepped up to see his kick sail between the posts.

On 33 minutes, Outram struck again to score a penalty and after the break, centre Jamie Broadley ran in the second Tigers try of the game. The conversion was once again right on the touchline and once again Outram made no mistake. And so it was quite fitting that a penalty kicked by the inspirational fly half five minutes from time turned out to be the difference between the sides at the final whistle.