Bradford Salem 38 Ripon 8

BRADFORD Salem kept up their promotion push after recovering from a shaky start to take maximum points in appalling conditions at Shay Lane.

After an early-morning pitch inspection, the decision was taken to play the game, although it took a team of volunteers several hours to clear the lines of snow.

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges but Ripon weathered the storm and took a 3-0 lead with a penalty.

Salem were then reduced to 14 men as winger Connor Malarkey received a yellow card for obstruction, and Ripon took full advantage as some slick handling created a clear overlap on the right for a try.

This setback seemed to spur Salem into action and they hit back almost immediately when centre Chris Clough powered his way over for a try.

The home pack started to get on top in the increasingly testing conditions and tries from flanker Conor Wood and prop John Bradbury, both improved by full back Danny Belcher, gave Salem a 19-8 lead at the break.

After eight minutes of the second half, Salem extended their lead when replacement No 8 Andrew Hanlon, who was making his debut, picked up from the base of a five-metre scrum, the big former Otley player forcing his way over the line.

Belcher added the extras to put the hosts 26-8 ahead but the leaders then received a double whammy when referee Coralie Greban gave replacement second-rower John Morrell a yellow card for obstruction, with fly half Andy Robinson following him to the sin-bin for questioning the decision.

However, despite being reduced to 13 men, Salem remained dominant in the scrums and a fine break and off-load from replacement prop Ryan McKessar put supporting second-rower Dan Snowden over for a fine try, improved by Belcher to take the home side into an unassailable 33-8 lead.

Salem were now on top and the pressure was beginning to tell on a tiring Ripon side, which was also handicapped by the loss of several players to injuries.

When Belcher scored from a kick and chase, the contest was ended prematurely by mutual consent.