Hoppers struggled in the first half, and three tries in the last 20 minutes meant they came up short of a try-scoring bonus point, ultimately leaving empty handed.

The rain started to pour as the players came out, and it had a clear affect, with several players seeing the ball slip out of their hands early on.

Otley came close after seven minutes, and eventually got the first points on the board when Callum Irvine scored a penalty.

Both teams struggled to build phases, but Otley would eventually get their chance, turning the ball over in Hoppers 22, before playing in Rhys Green who danced his way through a crowd to score under the posts.

Hoppers did manage to get on the board, with Greg Smith kicking his penalty, but from there, it was all Otley.

Harry Butler was next over when he crashed over from the pick and drive, before Sam Connor found himself diving over after an excellent move straight from the training ground saw him in the perfect position.

Preston switched off after giving away a penalty allowing for plenty of space and Otley closed the first half out with an easy try for Eddie Crossdale.

It was more of the same for Hoppers at the start of the second half, Sammy Russell being shown a yellow which allowed Otley extra manpower, driving over in the corner with Ben Waddington getting the try.

Although probably too late, the tide started to change when Otley were shown a red card following a tussle on the pitch, and Hoppers made full use with Alfie Longstaff scoring into the corner.

Chris Jackson scored from the driving maul to end any hopes of a comeback, but the hunt for a bonus point was still on.

Ciaran O’Donnell scored a fantastic try after an excellent set up from Longstaff, and Rob Willetts grabbed the third with an excellent run through.

Hoppers came inches short of a try scoring bonus point, but the hosts managed to just keep them out.

The final ten minutes played into Otley’s hands, closing Hoppers out and running down the clock to the best of their abilities to run out 45-22 winners.

Match report by Tom Kelly