Bedford 37, Otley 12

Despite conceding four tries to nil yesterday, Otley continue to show improved form and are beginning to settle back into National League One.

With a little more steadiness or luck, they could have been 20 points up in the first few minutes, Robin Kitching being put away a couple of times to make the line from distance only to be called back firstly for a slight forward pass in the build-up and secondly for an offside call.

They attacked from the kick-off, securing a penalty on the home line near touch which was stroked over with ease by Tom Rhodes, who had no trouble with an easier kick minutes later as Bedford panicked under intense Otley pressure.

It was 17 minutes before they made inroads into the visitors, where centre Billy Twelvetrees was presented with a simple penalty.

He, like Rhodes was to have 100 per cent success with his kicking.

Otley continued to frustrate Bedford but they drew level on 26 minutes only for Rhodes to retake the lead.

Then, when looking to play out the first half, they were pushed back to their line and winger Will Harris squeezed in at the corner, and on 40 minutes, after winning a line-out and clearing, Otley conceded a penalty for shirt pulling at the back of the line.

The penalty kick set up a drive which ended with No 8 Gregor Gillanders scoring.

There was just time for Rhodes to add a fourth penalty but Twelvetrees was on the mark soon after the restart.

Well though Otley played, replacement winger Danny Smith just clipping the touchline to be brought back, Bedford took their chances, replacement lock Mouritz Botha going over from a line-out and, after more forward pressure, winger Ian Davey, also a substitute, was given an overlap.

The game ended with Otley attacking strongly but the Blues are proud of their second place in the league and refused to give way.