Relegated Otley get underway with derby encounters

“We had to dig deep last year in a very tight league and this season is about learning those lessons,” said head coach Tommy McGee, whose side begin at Macclesfield.

“This season for us is about playing with the ambition and the accuracy we have shown in an unbeaten pre-season.

“We have got the ability to score from anywhere on the field, and we will look to play at a high tempo.

“We have got some very powerful ball carriers as well, and if we marry all that by being hard to beat then things could get interesting.”

Life in the regionalised National Two North for Otley, following two relegations in three years, begins with three Yorkshire derbies.

After entertaining Hull Ionians today, Gary Walker’s side welcome Hull next Saturday and visit Huddersfield the following week.

“It beats having to go to Launceston and Redruth,” director of rugby Walker said, referring to last year’s relegation from the nationalised third tier.

“And the two Hull clubs will bring a lot more fans those first two Saturdays. We put relegation behind us straightaway and we’ve assembled a squad we think will be competitive.

“It may take us a half a dozen games to find what level we’ll be at, but we’re eager to get back to National One as quickly as possible.”

Sheffield Tigers are back in northern rugby after winning promotion from the Midlands leagues last season following a 20-game winning run. But their director of rugby Richard Senior fears the change in the style of play will not suit them.

“The pitches aren’t as good in the north and the emphasis is on the forwards,” he said. “In the Midlands, the pitches were better and we could play a very open game. So we’ve got to make sure our pack can compete.”

Hull were the highest Yorkshire finishers in National Two North last season and are confident of being the top team out of the six White Rose clubs again.

“We’ve had two seasons at this level now and while it’s still about establishing ourselves, we want to improve this year to keep the momentum going,” said chairman of rugby Chris Murphy.

“There’s an air of excitement, but also an air of uncertainty.”