Bradford Salem 22, Selby 3
Club News | Mon 26th Oct 09
Posted by Neil Klenk

Four-try win for Salem after dogged performance

Bradford Salem returned to winning ways in Yorkshire Division One yesterday after a workmanlike performance against basement club Selby at Shay Lane.

Despite their lowly position in the league, Selby came out fighting and soon had the home side under pressure.

They should have taken an early lead but fluffed a simple penalty attempt after Salem were judged to have been offside by refereee Dave Downham.

The visitors continued to dominate and were eventually rewarded for their endeavours with a penalty to put them in front 3-0.

The Bradford side then began to put some plays together and, after pinning their opponents on their own line, flanker Jamie Booth powered his way over from close range.

Full back Jonathan Davies was unable to land the conversion into the wind but Salem were happy to be in front 5-3 against the run of play.

Selby missed another kickable penalty which would taken them into the lead and Salem could consider themselves fortunate to have a two-point advantage at the break.

Salem were forced into making a change when lock Damien Pearson suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury, Rob Bourne moving up into the second row and Dave Hutton, on debut, taking his place on the flank. Former Bradford Grammar School player Hutton made an immediate impact and the Heaton side started to look hungrier for possession.

Salem then hit a purple patch, and after hooker Sean Fields had burrowed his way over, fellow front-rower Craig Buxton finished off some brilliant support play in the forwards to take them into a 15-3 lead.

The home side were very much on top at this stage and only desperate defence from Selby prevented several further scores.

Nevertheless, Salem did register one more try when experienced centre Steve McManus scored after some slick handling in the backs.

Davies finally managed to land a conversion to seal a 22-3 victory and maintain Salem’s promotion push.