Launceston 25 Otley 15: Otley rally after loss of captain Parr in road accident but late fightback is not enough

But they made an excellent start, full-back Christian Georgiou coming into the line to stride through after just a couple of minutes but failing with the conversion.

It was obviously going to be a battle up front and Launceston went ahead when No 8 Mike Rawlings drove over, centre Mal Roberts converting before his kick was successfully chased by full-back Richard Bright, just winning the race to dive on the ball.

A turnover gave Otley possession and the ball went quickly to winger James Twomey, who beat the defence to score a fine converted try but replacement Jake Murphy added a penalty to give the Cornish All Blacks a 15-12 lead at the break.

They resumed in determined mood and Otley were forced on the defensive and in the struggle captain Jamie Sutton and Georgiou received yellow cards which restricted any attacking ideas. Murphy added a second penalty and then converted a try from centre Ryan Westren.

Centre Ben Hough kicked a penalty with 13 minutes remaining to cut the deficit and, back to full strength, Otley began to take command and Launceston were struggling to keep them out but the breakthrough proved beyond the visitors.