Facing a strong wind, Otley found themselves 18-10 down at half-time but took control of the game to begin to look like winners but took too few of their chances.

The visitors reached the final minutes with a slender four-point lead where, for the second time, referee Claire Hodnett penalised them for a high tackle on a rare Harrogate venture in opposition territory. The penalty was put into the corner where, for once, the Otley pack were overpowered and conceded a try, the final whistle being blown after the conversion attempt hit an upright.

The home side made better use of the wind throughout, causing Otley trouble, and winger Joe Rowntree was given a simple penalty after just four minutes and, running back the re-start, lock Tom Harvey swept through the middle to put centre Lewis Minikin over, Rowntree converting.

Beginning to settle, led by Sam Cook the Otley forwards began to take charge, winger Kristian Sharples making a great run down his flank before sadly choosing to kick instead of trusting his speed, and they suffered a further setback when Rowntree was given another kick under the posts. Arnie Ellison came on for Andrew Taylor after 23 minutes after a clumsy tackle left Andrew unable to continue.

Shortly afterwards Otley's dominance began to tell, pushing Harrogate off their ball resulting in a penalty, which was duly kicked by Stephen Depledge, and he was on the mark when winger Harry Hudson, benefiting from a Michael Coady break, went in at the corner with 7 minutes to go to the break.

Against the run of play, Harrogate scored just before the interval, an Andy Boyde drive created another attack and Minikin went over to make the score 18-10 before the break, the conversion being missed. Otley started the second half strongly, moving the ball swiftly crossfield from a line-out, replacement Jack Scott-Paul crossing to lessen the difference. Ten minutes later Otley conceded a penalty which allowed Rowntree to ease Harrogate further ahead.

Otley continued to be dominant and were rewarded when clean line-out ball, speedily moved, saw Hudson in at the corner, the conversion putting Otley in the lead for the first time. Stephen Depledge followed that with a penalty and with the final whistle approaching they had to keep it simple to secure the win. But fate decided to have the final say.

With thanks to Bill Marshall (T&A).