No home comforts as Bradford Salem's sorry run continues

In bright and breezy conditions at Shay Lane, Salem made a positive start only for them to concede two early penalties which gifted their opponents field position.

Then, from a catch and drive, Brods got to within a metre of the Salem line and, although skipper and prop forward Benny Pritchett appeared to drop the ball, referee Glen Cockroft was unsighted and awarded a try to put the visitors 5-0 ahead.

With the penalty count heavily in their favour, Brods continued to press and it needed an excellent tackle by Salem centre Marco Ferrazzano to prevent them adding to their tally.

However, the pressure was beginning to tell, and, with 25 minutes played, Brods extended their lead to 10 points when Number 8 Rob Jennings drove over from a five-metre scrum.

It was then Salem’s turn to attack, but, despite good runs from Number 8 Connor Malarkey and second rower Rhys Green, Brods’ well-organised defence held firm as they went into the break with a 10-0 advantage.

After 10 minutes of the second half, Brods launched a series of attacks in Salem’s 22.

The visitors eventually won a penalty, but, with the referee playing advantage, they moved the ball out wide where full-back Louis Butler put winger Alex Hanson over in the corner, centre Phil Town landing the difficult conversion to put the Calderdale side 17-0 in front.

Although Salem dominated in the closing stages, they could not break down the resolute Brods defence and with the hosts held up over line, the referee blew for time.

Salem’s woes were compounded in the clubhouse later with news that former Bradford Bulls ace Glenn Morrison had broken his thumb requiring surgery.

This third defeat so far leaves Salem 10th in the table with seven points from their opening four games of the season.

They hope to improve on that placing when they travel to face eighth-placed Leodiensian, who are four points ahead of Salem in the table.