KIRKBY Lonsdale took on the unbeaten league leaders Otley and faced a tough game.

The Otley team remained undefeated in their latest match against Kirkby which took place at their home ground.

Kirkby travelled to runaway unbeaten league leaders Otley without a number of key players so expectations were not high and these expectations were realised.

Regardless of this, the players present turned out to play.

The game began with a quick try just two minutes in by Otley after Ben Magee got the ball to Irvine who passed it on to Eddie Crossland who went onto score.

This was followed by Joe Rowntree converting both.

Kirkby’s understrength side stuck manfully to the task and they definitely had their moments but over eighty minutes could not consistently cope with a team who should be playing at a much higher level than the Northern Premiership, lob in a masterclass of attacking full back play from Otley's Magee.

Their tough opponents kept the pressure on throughout.

Kirkby Lonsdale did have several moments of brilliance, including scoring an excellent try through right wing Ryan Allwood, a player whose potential improves with almost every game, to put five points on the board but that was it.

Despite being down on the score board Kirkby showed great heart and resilience in their play and made Otley work for every minute of the match.

Following this unfortunate setback, the team aims to regroup and continue to improve as the season continues.

The team will hope to be at full strength for the home game against second placed Preston Grasshoppers on November 13.

While there had not been much to talk about on the pitch there were a couple of things off it.

The attendance at the match of Kirkby Lonsdale's Club’s Madam President, Liz Burke, as she recovers from major surgery, was a tremendously inspiring sight for the club.

She showed an incredible effort as she continued to support her team even with it being an away game.

There were also the warm and generous welcome from Otley.

A genuinely grand club with a rich history, the club were gracious hosts who were credited by their opponents for their outstanding play.

Kirkby will look forward to hosting them on the return fixture on February 19.

It may be some time before Kirkby has the pleasure of hosting Otley again but they made them know they would always be welcome at their grounds.

Kirkby have found great success in the previous match against Northwich and hope to return to their winning ways.