Bradford Salem 32, Roundhegians 30

Bradford Salem earned a hard-fought victory against Roundhegians at Shay Lane yesterday which moved them up to fifth place in SSE Yorkshire Division Two.

Despite making a promising start, Salem went behind 7-0 but they hit back almost immediately when fly half Andy Robinson converted his own try following some good work from the pack.

However, the visitors from Leeds then hit a purple patch and two further tries plus a penalty took them into a 22-5 lead.

To their credit, the Salem players didn't let their heads drop and hit back when skipper and flanker Damien Pearson scorched over for an excellent try improved by Robinson to reduce the arrears to 22-12.

Then shortly afterwards, Salem closed the gap further when full back Danny Belcher broke through Roundhegians' midfield and the supporting Danny Thomas sent fellow centre Sam Gardner galloping beneath the posts for a fine try improved by Robinson to take the scoreline to 22-19.

Salem were now on a high and they took the lead for the first time when second-rower James Cunliffe went over from a catch and drive, Robinson adding the extras to give the Bradford side a 26-22 lead at the break.

The visitors got back to within a point with a penalty and then took a 30-26 lead with a well-worked try.

However, Robinson then struck two penalties to put Salem 32-30 ahead with just minutes remaining.

Roundhegians had an opportunity to steal the game with the last kick but, to the relief of the Salem supporters, the penalty attempt from just over halfway drifted wide of the uprights.