How We Secured Survival In A Thriller At Otley

Hull’s survival in National 2 North was assured with a stunning 48-45 win at Otley despite giving away a first minute try, conceding two second half interception tries and losing centre Duell Trueman in the first half to storm back to clinch the win with a last minute try by prop Tom Bairstow.

Hull’s start could not have been worse as they allowed the home scrum-half to sidestep his way through their defences to touch down under the posts with Crosland converting after just 60 seconds.

The away side’s response was immediate as they stole their own kick off and mesmerising handling over a 50-yard move saw full back Fynlay Hobson touch down for an unconverted try.

Otley returned the compliment when they scored a catch and drive try through hooker Gibson after 13 minutes and another try by Connor five minutes later with both tries converted increased the home sides lead to 21-12.

The scoring fest continued as Hull broke from deep in their own half with substitute winger Josh Ratuvao touching down after 25 minutes for an unconverted try.

With half-time approaching, Otley swept forward with Hodge crashing over under the posts with Irvine converting. Hull just had time to round off the half as their pack powered forward with prop Jamie Major getting Hull’s fourth try to secure a bonus point and see Hull trailing 28-22 at the break.

The second half saw the pace of the game continue with Otley’s substitute back Rowntree intercepting a loose Hull pass after 42 minutes for a converted try.

Four minutes later Hull made good use of a catch and drive from a lineout with second row Liam Regardsoe getting a well deserved try converted by Harrison. On 50 minutes another loose Hull pass saw Otley’s Taylor score another try and Rowntree’s conversion putting his side into 42-19 lead with Hull staring relegation in the face.

However with subsitute prop Charlie Beech helping Hull to move from getting the better of the Otley scrum to total dominance of it, penalties accrued.

Harrison kicked Hull into good lineout positions and Hull’s forwards Adam Brankley, Billy Addy and Tom Bairstow made best use of superior lineout and scrum work and scored tries in the 54th, 64th and 80th minutes with Harrison converting two of the tries.

A 63rd minute Rowntree penalty for Otley could not prevent a well deserved Hull victory seeing them 48-45 victors and secure in the knowledge they had survived in National Division 2.