Otley 17, Bedford 23

Third-placed Bedford were given a massive scare by a rejuvenated Otley who have a stiff battle ahead if they are to retain their place in Division One.

In cold, windy conditions the play was first class with both sides handling excellently, which in turn demanded fully committed defence.

Skipper Dan Hyde led by example, with youngsters Tom Denton and James Craig responding well, while Ian Shuttleworth at fly half kicked intelligently when required but kept his line moving slickly throughout.

It was unfortunate that Otley were caught out so quickly when a box kick from scrum half Andy Brown was run back and centre Billy Twelvetrees, having no way through, chipped ahead for Will Harries.

The winger dived on the ball as it crossed the line for the opening try with only three minutes gone.

Otley responded when full back Peter Wackett came into the line to put Xavier Andre through and he outpaced the cover to go in at the posts, Shuttle-worth’s conversion giving the hosts the lead.

A Pritchard penalty on 24 minutes put the visitors back in front and so the score remained until after the break.

Otley’s re-start kick was booted back downfield and the attempt to clear was plopped into the hands of the following-up three-quarters. They quickly shipped the ball out to left winger Ryan Owen, who raced in to give Pritchard an easy conversion.

Shuttleworth struck back with a conversion himself but, after a prolonged raid on the home line, No 6 Greg Gillanders went in under the posts for Bedford.

Pritchard converted and the visitors were now looking for the bonus try.

However, the final 15 minutes belonged to Otley. They put the visitors under great pressure but their second try, coming from Hyde appearing at outside centre, came too late.

Shuttleworth’s conversion from wide out into the wind ensured a bonus point which leaves them trailing third-from-bottom Newbury by four points.