Otley 6, London Welsh 9

There was heartbreak for Otley who, after a magnificent performance, were at least looking certain of a draw but saw their hopes dashed with a penalty in the 16th minute of added time.

Injuries had prolonged the second half to just short of an hour when replacement kicker Mark Harris recovered from a high tackle to strike a penalty from 32 metres out to snatch victory for Welsh.

Otley had played some most entertaining rugby and their tackling had been magnificent, allowing their high-flying visitors not one look at their line. The hosts themselves were unfortunate to be stopped in the act of scoring to be given a penalty wide out during the second half when they were looking likely to take this game.

The Cross Greeners made their intentions clear from the start, stealing their own kick-off to charge to the London Welsh line but sadly conceding a penalty which sent them back into their 22 as such was the strength of the wind. They defaulted again to give fly-half Aled Thomas an easy penalty.

Notwithstanding this setback, Otley attacked again, the back row constantly driving at the midfield and fly-half Tom Rhodes orchestrating his backs with great variety.

Robin Kitching made the first serious incursion on the left wing, chasing a fine high cross-kick from Rhodes and taking it on the full to threaten but the visitors’ defence held.

Centre Luther Burrell sliced through but was unable to link up as the immaculate defence of both sides ruled the day.

There was an optimistic atmosphere when, only three points down, Otley resumed after the break with the wind at their backs.

Welsh were in no mood to sit back and their speedy backs were finding holes but it brought out the best in the home defence, including two superb tackles from full back Peter Wackett.

Otley went further behind with a second penalty from Thomas but this only served to increase their momentum and penalties from Rhodes on 65 and 73 minutes appeared to be taking them towards that elusive victory before their luck ran out at the death.