Yorkshire Division One: Bridlington 49 Bradford Salem 6

BRADFORD Salem were brought back down to earth after their encouraging win against York the previous week as they were well beaten by table-toppers Bridlington.

On a wet pitch at Dukes Park, the home side took an early lead when full back Ben Dearing kicked a penalty after Salem were ajudged offside by referee Colin Tovey.

However, his opposite number Danny Belcher levelled matters when Bridlington were penalised for a high shot on flanker Nick Fontaine.

The hosts soon regained the lead, however, after Salem were caught offside for a second time, and they increased this to 11-3 when some good recycled possession created a try for prop Ryan Nepia.

Salem reduced the arrears to 11-6 courtesy of a second Belcher penalty but minutes later they fell further behind when Bridlington winger Gary Stevens collected a poor clearance before bursting through some weak tackling to score an excellent solo try improved by Dearing to put the hosts 18-6 ahead.

The visitirs then conceded two penalties in quick succession, which gave Bridlington the opportunity to score from a quick tap to extend their advantage to 25-6.

Shortly afterwards, Stevens very nearly created another try, but, after breaking through from a 22 drop-out, his pass to supporting centre Jamie Martin went to ground.

The remainder of the half belonged to Salem but, despite strong runs from flanker Callum Manchester and winger Ryan Smith, they were unable to breach the Bridlington line.

The Bradford side competed well for the first 20 minutes of the second half, with some good carries by second-rower Ben Whitaker and prop Will Collins, who were both making their first-team debuts.

However,  Bridlington ran away with the game in the final quarter and four tries, one of which was an inception, gave the high-fliers a slightly flattering 49-6 scoreline.

Despite the heavy defeat, Salem were pleased with the performances of 18-year-old Whitaker and 21-year-old Collins, which bodes well for the future.