Bradford Salem edge to victory thanks to penalty try

Bradford Salem returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over their old adversaries.

Missing several regulars, Salem handed a debut at inside centre to Shane Tasker-Howard, who rec-ently helped rugby league side Dewsbury Celtic gain promotion.

Salem suffered an early setback when experienced hooker Simon Markey was forced to leave the field with a head injury. However, they went 6-0 up courtesy of two successful penalties from fly half Andrew Robinson.

Salem went further in front when Canadian Sean McLelland, who replaced Markey at hooker, intercepted a loose pass and raced 35 metres to dot down under the sticks, Robinson converting.

But with half-time approaching, Salem seemed to lose concentration and some poor decision-making allowed Leos to score a converted try to reduce the deficit to 13-7 at the break.

Salem’s victory prospects were improved when open-side flanker and man of the match Dave Hutton scored from a catch and drive but refereeing decisions started to work against them.

Leos hit back with two penalties and a try to make it 18-18 but the visitors were guilty of collapsing two driving mauls as Salem were awarded a penalty try. Robinson converted but then pulled a penalty attempt wide as Bradford had to withstand late pressure.

The win keeps Salem in touch with the leaders, with only seven points separating the top five teams.