Yorkshire Division One: York 43 Bradford Salem 13

BRADFORD Salem travelled to table-toppers York with five players missing from the team which won at North Ribblesdale the previous week and, in view of the enforced changes, they were always likely to face a difficult task at Clifton Park.

However, in ideal playing conditions, it was the visitors who had the better of the early exchanges and they went into a 6-0 lead courtesy of two successful penalties from fly half Callum Armstrong in the opening 17 minutes.

In fact, Salem were unfortunate not to extend their lead when Nick Fontaine, who otherwise had an outstanding game, was hauled down inches short of the line, despite having men outside him.

Salem continued to pile on the pressure in their opponent's 22 but they were eventually penalised for holding on, which allowed the hosts to clear their lines.

Having weathered the storm, York began to exert pressure of their own, and, with 27 minutes gone, after winning a scrum against the head, swift handling created a try in the corner for winger Rob Hodges, although South Yorkshire referee Jeff Hudson seemed to miss some blatant crossing in the build-up.

York were clearly lifted by this score against the run of play and soon began to show the kind of control expected of runaway leaders.

Following another solid scrum, a delightful delayed pass by full back Jon Dawes allowed outside centre Sam Forbes to power through for a converted try to put the home side 12-6 in front at the break.

The second half started with some end-to-end rugby, with Salem winger Jake Abram firstly breaking down the right flank, then York only being denied a try by a poor final pass on a counter-attack.

York enjoyed a moment of good fortune when Salem centre Max Trueman was harshly penalised for a high tackle when stealing the ball in a one-on-one tackle.

To make matters worse, York No 8 Shane Goulding scored from the resultant five-metre scrum, with Dawes adding the extras to give his side a 19-6 advantage.

To their credit, Salem responded positive and they came close to narrowing the gap when Sam Savage, playing in the unaccustomed position of second row, intercepted in midfield.

Unfortunately, however, he ran out of steam and was tackled agonisingly short of the line.

Despite this minor setback, Salem continued to press, and a break from Fontaine was continued by Ben Whitaker, who brushed off York centre Sam Potrykus in dismissive fashion as he set off on a rampaging run.

Although the 19-year-old second-rower was eventually brought to ground, Fontaine was on hand at the breakdown to dive over from close range for a try that was improved by Armstrong to get the visitors back within striking distance at 19-13.

Once again, however, York showed their strength and composure and were soon camped on Salem’s line.

Although, the Bradford players did exceptionally well to hold the ball up over the line, there was air of inevitability as York scored from the ensuing five-metre scrum to give themselves a 24-13 lead.

Salem, at this stage, were still in the hunt, and they brought on all three replacements – Chris Clough, James Callender and Josh Eaton – to try and add some impetus.

This almost had the desired effect as first Salem captain and No 8 Christian Baines and then Clough came close to scoring.

There were further good runs from centre Harry Hall and winger Martins Bokiss but York’s solid defence somehow prevented their opponents turning pressure into points.

With 10 minutes of normal time remaining, York sensed that Salem were beginning to tire and some excellent handling in the backs resulted in a try and conversion for Dawes, which gave the hosts a healthy 31-13 lead.

Salem were now up against it and another flowing backs move gave Dawes an opportunity to score a second try that he improved himself to give York an unassailable 36-13 lead.

Then, in the ninth minute of stoppage time, a loose off-load by Clough in his 22 gifted York possession, and flanker Josh Parker scored his side's seventh and final try, with Dawes tagging on the conversion to seal a 43-13 victory.

The final score did not do Salem justice and, overall, head coach Neil Spence was pleased with the effort shown by his players.

If the Heaton side can show the same level of commitment in their remaining three fixtures, they are certain to pick up points as they battle against relegation.