A key decision by referee Andrew Vertigan cost Otley dear last Saturday.

They were trailing 11-5 into the wind just before half-time at third-placed Westoe in SSE National League Two North when skipper Adam Blades was controversially sin-binned.

While the Cross Greeners were down to 14 men, Dan Rundle and Otley old boy Ollie Stedman scored tries, the latter adding a conversion, and when Otley were readjusting after Blades’ return, Dave Haswell added a try.

Otley’s director of rugby Gary Walker said: “Adam was clearing out the ruck and I asked the official at half-time for an explanation and he said Adam had twisted the upper torso and head of an opponent while he was doing so – it was unbelievable.

“We were 11-5 down before the sin-binning and right in the game and 23-5 behind before Adam came back on and we conceded another try while we were readjusting after Adam’s return.”

As for Stedman, who collected 18 points via two tries, two penalties and a conversion, Walker said: “Ollie is a good player.

“He comes from North Shields and when he was released by Leeds he found it easier to return to his roots and play for Westoe.”

Otley are at home to Sheffield Tigers on Saturday and will have Ben Steele back at hooker and have recalled Freddie Watson from Manchester University in place of Jon Stallard, who is unavailable for a fortnight.