National Two North: Bragging rights for Harrogate in derby

Defences dominated though there was plenty of running rugby even though it was scoreless at the break.

The stalemate continued until the 10th minute of the second half when full-back Harry Parrish launched a stunning counter attack which was finished off by Lewis Minikin.

Otley responded with a series of driving mauls from penalties and No 8 Freddie Watson touched down. Stephen Depledge’s conversion put Otley 7-5 ahead.

A stunning 40-yard break from Barry Frost took play into the 22 and Otley went offside and Minikin’s penalty restored the lead.

Bottomley was checked just short of the line but the Harrogate pack were in support and Andy Boyde pass put Parrish in at the corner. Minikin converted but Otley earned a bonus point with a late penalty.

Huddersfield defeated South Leicester 24-17.

Chris Bell’s penalty was followed by scrum-half Daniel Jeffrey’s converted try. Loose-head prop James Purcell crashed over and Bell converted to make it 17-3.

Back-row Adam Malthouse scored his side’s third try but Leicester came back to earn a bonus point with two converted tries.

Sandal took their promotion form into the new season with a 34-7 home win against Luctonians.

Following their play-off success, there have been few changes and the continuity was clear. Sandal were soon 10-0 up following tries by flanker James Briscoe and winger Simon Frewin.

Prop Alex Edler added a second before the break and Greg Wood’s conversion made it 17-0. Luctonians pulled back a try after the break but a penalty by Wood, was followed by a try from James Stuart. Centre Mark Pease then wrapped things up with a solo try from 40 metres.