In fact, things started brightly for Mowden, who dominated possession in the first half, a half where Mowden’s try line was never threatened by the home side.

Mowden’s flanker Harrison WOOD was first to register after the pressure by the Mowden forwards led the way and a gap in their defence was pierced (0 – 5), with fly half Flynn WARD converting (0 – 7) in what was to be a 100% success from the tee.

Unfortunately for Mowden, Otley’s fly half Joe Rowntree was equally adept from the tee and although Mowden managed another try before oranges, via a Shaun MCARTNEY searing run to the line, after a well fashioned team try, converted from wide out by WARD (3 - 14), Mowden’s indiscipline fashioned two more kicking opportunities for Otley’s Rowntree and he duly obliged (9 – 14).

Mowden left a couple of scores out on the pitch, but with only themselves to blame, it was hoped that normality would return and after a suitable half time word or two, we would go on to win the game and comfortably.

However, it was the home side who emerged the brighter and as the away side were again penalised, lessons of the first half were not atoned and once again, the very capable Rowntree slotted the inevitable three points. (12 – 14)

As Mowden’s try line had proved elusive before oranges, Otley’s Scott Irvine soon overcame that previous hurdle, crossing the Mowden line (17 – 14) and the metronomic Rowntree added the extras (19 – 14), to put Otley further ahead.

Mowden then rallied and the dangerous Ben DOUGLAS fashioned an individual try, leaving Otley defenders in his wake en-route to the try line, (19 – 19) and with WARD adding the extras, (19 – 21). Mowden wrenched back the lead.

The game then opened up, with both sides producing some end to end rugby.

Otley re-took the lead when burly prop Tom Baxter rumbled over (24 – 21), with Rowntree again to the fore with the conversion (26 – 21), edging the home side ahead as the game entered the final quarter.

Not to be outdone, Mowden replied in kind, when skipper Liam CHECKSFIELD finished off a sweeping move (26 – 26), finished off by the reliable WARD. (26 – 28)

With eight minutes remaining, it was Otley who hauled themselves down the slope. Where winger Finlay Hobson scored what proved to be the winning try (31 – 28), with Rowntree adding the extras (33 – 28)

Despite going close several times in the dying embers of the game, Otley hung on for a vital victory, celebrated vigorously by the whole of the Otley faithful, leaving Mowden with two consolation bonus points, in a game, that without the indiscretions allowing Rowntree a sweet day, they should have won comfortably.

NEXT WEEK SEES THE VISIT OF SHEFFIELD TIGERS TO THE DARLINGTON ARENA.

COME ON YOU PARK !!