A SLOW start cost Otley any reward as they lost 30-21 at struggling Luctonians in National Two North.

The long journey to Herefordshire appeared to take its toll as Otley fell 14 points down in as many minutes and went in at the interval 24-7 behind.

A fine second-half performance brought them back to just three points adrift on 70 minutes, only to concede two late penalties.

Under pressure from the start, Otley fell behind on 12 minutes when scrum half Ollie Allsopp put winger Frank Kelly over.

A strong run from centre Will Hodnett saw him add a second try three minutes later, winger Johnny Morris converting both.

Morris then added a penalty but Otley were beginning to settle, winger Henry Roberts going over and fly half Jack Blakeney-Edwards converting with full back Tom Hodson off injured.

However, just before half-time they found themselves trapped on their line, eventually conceding a penalty try which Morris converted.

On restarting, Otley looked a different side and picked up a couple of converted tries to bring them within three points of their hosts.

Prop Tipiloma Kivalu finished off good approach work to force his way over and, with ten minutes remaining, they were awarded a penalty try, Blakeney-Edwards landing the conversions.

Yet after now looking favourites, Otley lost their way and Morris made them pay with two accurate kicks at goal.