Hero Henry helps Otley stay on top

Northern Premier

OTLEY hold their lead at the top of the table, but it was close as they just held the edge 11-9 at home to Macclesfield.

Henry Roberts got over for the home side with Joe Rowntree adding two penalties. Harry Oliver replied with three penalties.

Billingham took advantage and closed the gap at the top by one point after they rattled in 10 tries with their 62-7 win at Burnage.

Martin Hopley, Matt Kirby, Luke Wilson and Michael Walton bagged a brace apiece with Anthony Jackson and Ben Walton the other tryscorers, Jobe Roxby on song with six conversions. Jack Ledgard scored the host's try and conversion.

Preston Grasshoppers slip back a touch, unable to take the bonus point in their 5-16 victory at York. Chris Taylor crossed for the only try for the visitors with Alex Ward through three penalties and a conversion securing the points. Shane Goulding was the try scorer for the home side.

Blackburn remain in fourth spot, beating Alnwick 15-29 at Greenfields through tries from Tom Burtonwood, Leon Simpson with two, and Jake Foster all converted by Paddy Gaffey who also slotted a penalty. Peter Moralee crossed for the hosts who also forced a penalty try to add to an early penalty from Evan Moir.

In a close contest, Lymm took the honours in the Cheshire derby, 9-15 away to Wirral. Olly Higginson and Aaron Rashid were the tryscorers, Cormack Nolan on target with a conversion and a penalty.

Wirral's points all came from penalties, with Ben Brooks two and Dan Harvey with one.

In the final game of the round, Sandal beat Northwich 10-63 . Dom Fawcett led the charge with a hattrick followed by Jake Adams, Jonny Garrity, Ryan Gibson, Jack Handley and Eddie Pitchford, with Adams kicking seven conversions and three penalties. Northwich crossed for a converted try to add to a first half penalty.

Rossendale v Kirkby Lonsdale was postponed due the a waterlogged pitch at Marl Pits.