STOURBRIDGE extended their impressive tally of victories against Otley with a close away win after a shaky start.

Poor handling, wayward passes and a high penalty count helped the hosts to an early six point lead.

Despite the errors Stour were producing good running rugby and made the most of a penalty advantage when Joe Collingham pushed forward.

George Morgan’s perfect running angle knocked a hole in the defence and his support runner, Dan Rundle was set free and made his way over the try line. Chris Scott added the conversion.

Stourbridge extended their lead when a kick forward by Scott caused a hurried clearance.

After a lineout, the ball was sent through the backs and landed in the arms of Afeafe Haisila 25 metres out.

His elusive running style hypnotised the home defence and he scampered beneath the posts for an easy Scott conversion to extend the lead.

Otley absorbed further Stour pressure and eventually Henry Roberts registered their first try from a lineout, fly half Ben Smith added the extras.

Stour pressed forward but could not add to their tally and went into the break just a point ahead with a scoreline of 13-14.

Smith hit the post with a penalty kick after the restart before Stourbridge made the most of a driving maul.

Collingham burst out to the left and popped a pass to Joe Heatley who scurried over the line to touch down close to the posts. Scott hit the conversion.

The visitors' lead was extended immediately from the restart when Otley were stripped of the ball.

Jack Lea took play forward and sent the ball to George Morgan who broke through and down the left wing, getting to just within the Otley half.

His pass found Rundle who sprinted in for his fifth try of the season, Scott converted and a bonus point was secure.

Scott then added a penalty following a high tackle but penalties for Otley resulted in a lineout and Brett Mitchell crashed over the line.

Smith landed another tricky conversion and the hosts had the momentum.

Stourbridge came under extreme pressure following a gifted pass to their opponents. This was too much to cope with and front foot phases saw Brett Mitchell get his second try which Smith again converted.

Otley however had left it too late and could add no more points - the game finished 27-31.

Stour moved to third in National League Two north and next week entertain Sedgley Park, who are fourth.