Yorkshire Division One: Bradford Salem 28 Heath 31

WITH both Bradford Salem and Heath coming into the game on the back of five wins from their last seven outings, this was always likely to be a close affair.

Although the heavy conditions at Shay Lane were expected to suit Heath's heavier pack, it was Salem who seized the early initiative.

Second-rower Rhys Green, who has returned to the club after a spell at National League Three South outfit Lichfield, made a great catch at the first line-out, and some excellent handling in the backs gave winger Nick Fontaine the opportunity to squeeze over in the corner, with full back Danny Belcher landing a magnicent conversion from the touchline to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.

Heath reduced the arrears to 7-3 courtesy of a penalty from centre Ezra Hinchliffe after Salem were caught offside, and they got back to within a point when West Yorkshire Society referee Laurence Pearson reversed a penalty for backchat, despite the fact that the visitors were guilty of a high shot on Green.

Salem hit back when centre Harry Hall carved through Heath's midfield defence off a short pass to score an excellent try under the posts, with Belcher adding the simple conversion to put the home side 14-6 ahead.

Five minutes later, the Heaton side increased their advantage as more good handling in the backs created space on the right, and winger Kodie Brook showed elusive skills to score in corner, with Belcher again landing the touchline conversion to give Salem a healthy 21-6 lead.

However, Heath reduced the deficit to 21-9 at the break when Hinchliffe kicked his third successful penalty following a high tackle by a Salem player.

Heath got back to within a score virtually straight from the restart when they took advantage of a Salem mistake, and swift hands allowed right winger Luke Saltonstall to dive over in the corner to bring the score to 21-14.

Salem then received a major blow when blindside flanker Jamie Booth was harshly given a yellow card for talking to the referee after the team had received a general warning for chelping.

At this point, Salem's scrum was coming under increasing pressure and Heath levelled the scores as they were awarded a penalty try when attempting a pushover from a five-metre scrummage.

With 15 minutes remaining, the visitors took the lead for the first time, courtesy of a fourth successful Hinchliffe penalty.

Then, with five minutes remaining, Heath increased their lead to 31-21 as pressure from a catch and drive finally told and Jordan Moana crashed over from close range.

However, deep into injury time, Salem No 8 Christian Baines hit a great angle to score a fine individual try, improved by Belcher to earn the hosts two consolation points from a final scoreline of 31-28.