The visitors, Darlington Mowden Park who are sitting third in the league, used the high ball effectively through fly half Grant Connon, were in control for most of the afternoon, their big forwards relishing the chase.

They demonstrated their intentions immediately, returning Otley’s kick-off with a steeper and, after a failed drop-goal attempt from Connon, they stole the ball at the base of an Otley scrum under the posts for prop Ralph Appleby to get over, Connon converting. As conditions worsened, muddied players struggled to control a slippery ball and scoring chances were few.

Otley winger James Twomey slipped his man only to see his kick through pushed into touch with a sliding tackle and then, on 22 minutes, centre Michael Coady was shown a yellow card, followed five minutes later by lock Jonathan Stannard and Darlington prop Dan Miller. In their absence, Darlington MP’s Lewis Johnson went over to extend the visitors’ lead.

Otley were certainly missing their line-busting prop Toby Williams, absent with an illness, and were finding it difficult to feed their speedy wingmen. His place was taken by Jake Armstrong, who won Otley’s man of the match award.

However, Oliver Cicognini produced one storming run when attacking from deep and James Twomey was pulled down just short, and though they battled hard it was Darlington who took their chances - a penalty from Connon, a second try for Johnson converted by Connor and a late try for winger Sean McCartney.

With thanks to John Finch