Hull completely dominated possession in the first half taking all but one of Otley’s six line outs as well as taking a strike against the head in the scrum. Despite this overwhelming possession at the first phase they only lead 11-10 at halftime.
Hull got off to a flying start with Reece Dean kicking two penalties in the first five minutes. The away side dominated possession but were unable to score again. The next score came when Otley responded with a penalty converted by centre Gavin Stead after 23 minutes.
Thereafter with possession flowing Hull’s way it looked to be a matter of time before Hull scored again, but a promising break by fullback Harrison Astley was snuffed out yards from the line after 25 minutes.
Hull maintained pressure and after a lineout resulting from a penalty they drove to the Otley line with scrum half Joe Barratt getting the touchdown on 29 minutes, to the left of the posts. The conversion went wide.
Otley although starved of first phase possession looked effective ball in hand and their off half Eddie Crossland rounded off some good moments of pressure right in half-time with a try converted by Gavin Stead to see Hull only lead 11-10 at half-time.
The second period saw Hull again dominate at scrum and lineout but were constantly pushed back by outstanding Otley defence.
Otley started the second period well with an early Gavin Stead penalty quickly followed by a try from their hooker Ryan Gibson who shrugged off tackles as he went over for a try converted by Stead to see them ahead 20-11 after 46 minutes.
Hull were trying to get back into the game and were making the most of their scrum dominance and after 60 minutes, Peter Hudson- Kowalewicz went over near the posts with Reece Dean adding the conversion.
Otley responded on 67 minutes when their captain Adam Malthouse went over for a try converted by Stead and at 27-20 with just 10 minutes left, Hull had it all to do.
Hull showed their resilience as Otley tired and back rower Jack Baldry forced his way over after 71 minutes for a try converted by Reece Dean.
As the clock ticked down Hull raised their game and constant pressure on the home sides line saw Otley illegally prevent a try by Hull resulting in a penalty try swing Hull lead 32-27 with just injury time to play. Hull kept the ball in the forwards until time to record a hard fought victory in their first game back in National 2 North.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 