Lancaster watches on as Otley dent Ionians’ promotion charge

ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster would have been impressed as he watched Otley overcome leaders Hull Ionians.

All the points in this 12-6 win for the hosts came in the first 30 minutes though the excitement continued throughout.

Otley’s slick backs swept through in the first minute only to be called back for a forward pass. With Ionians in full flow, a shattering tackle shook the ball loose for centre Michael Coady to boot upfield, chase and gather to score with seven minutes gone.

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The visitors reacted strongly and penalties in the 22nd and 28th minutes from centre Chris Reakes had them ahead.

A pinpoint high chip from Otley fly-half James White was then taken on the full by centre Jack Mackie at speed and when challenged he had Coady in support to go in at the posts, scrum-half Stephen Depledge converting.

The first-half ended with the home pack hammering the line, gaining three successive penalties but Ionians finally cleared.

Though scoreless, the second-half was full of incident. A second missed penalty denied Otley the chance to get two scores ahead but they ended the game strongly.

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Hull took a 27-22 victory over fifth-placed Chester to put them within touching distance of the teams just above them.

The arrival of Gary Pearce as coach has given Hull a lift and tries from Hiheta, Cooke, Lound and Herd helped them take a 
20-12 half-time lead.

Chester came back at Hull in the second half but a super try from Ben Sullivan enabled them to hold on for the win.

Another close encounter between the sides ended in a 19-12 win for Harrogate at Caldy.

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Three penalties from Joe Rowntree put Harrogate ahead before Callum Irvine went over in the corner. Caldy’s Nick Royle had his try converted by Gavin Roberts to make it 14-7 at the break.

Caldy had three players sin-binned during the game but when Harrogate’s Andy Boyde went, the hosts’ No 8, Craig Smithson, pounced for a try.

Harrogate moved up a gear and Luke Edwards scored out wide to seal victory.

Huddersfield scored three tries in a 19-12 home success over Luctonians.

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On five minutes, left wing Dave Hall broke through, leaving Joel Hinchliffe to convert.

Luctonians pulled back five points 10 minutes later and the scores remained the same until the interval. Another positive restart saw Huddersfield press ahead as full-back Ben Mitchell went over to take it to 12-5.

That was extended to 19-5 just after the hour, with inside centre Tom Owen providing the finishing touch and fly-half Chris Bell converting. With 10 minutes left, Luctonians made it a close finish when full-back Jimmy Norris went over for a converted try.