Bradford Salem 38 Old Rishworthians 3

Bradford Salem moved up to fourth place as a strong second-half performance earned them an emphatic win in trying conditions.

The visitors, with the elements in their favour, had the upper hand early on but their inability to convert chances was costly.

The introduction of veteran hooker Simon Markey and prop Simon Davies, making a return after a three-month absence, gave Salem impetus.

Against the run of play, full back Danny Belcher beat several would-be defenders to score an excellent solo try, which he improved himself.

Shortly after, Salem winger Adam Sutcliffe finished off some slick handling in the backs, Belcher adding the touchline conversion to make it 14-0.

Rishworthians scored a penalty but were disappointed to go into the break with a 14-3 deficit after dominating for much of the half.

Salem, now with the strong wind at their backs, were seeking a bonus-point win and, despite being reduced to 14 men when Markey was sent to the sin-bin, the signs looked good as fly half Andy Robinson forced his way over for a try, improved by Belcher.

The bonus point was secured when open-side flanker Joe Fawcett who had an outstanding game in the loose, scored from a driving maul, Belcher again tagging on the extras to make it 28-3.

The Heaton side were again reduced to 14 men when scrum half Jack Mitchell received a yellow card for back-chat.

However, for the second time, Salem coped well with this handicap and the versatile Belcher, now playing outside Robinson at fly half, showed great acceleration to score his second try.

He missed the conversion but made amends as he completed his hat-trick with another strong finish.