BRADFORD Salem suffered a heavy 49-19 away defeat against a resurgent Bridlington side in Yorkshire Division One, although the final score-line was perhaps not really a fair reflection of the game.

After a poor first half, tries from Salem's Pete Tennet and Harry Williams put their side only seven points behind early in the second half, before a loss of momentum and discipline cost them dearly.

A minute's silence was held before kick-off in memory of Tom Keeping, the former Bridlington centre who died four years ago at the age of 21. As a further mark of respect, no member of the Brid side wore the Number 12 shirt.

The Bridlington players were clearly fired up by the occasion and a half break and neat offload led to them scoring a converted try for a 7-0 lead after 10 minutes.

The home side continued to dominate but suffered a set-back when their full-back was sent to the sin-bin for a no arms tackle on Salem prop Tennet.

However, the visitors were unable to take advantage, and, with Bridlington back to a full complement, the tables were turned when Salem skipper Christian Baines was sent to the bin and the hosts scored from a quick tap penalty to go 12-0 in front.

Things looked ominous for Salem when two further tries extended Brid’s advantage to 26 unanswered points, but the visitors hit back when blindside flanker Tim Makaafi scored a fine try, which fly-half Matt Booth improved to reduce the deficit to 26-7 at the break.

With their spirits lifted and Baines returning to the fray, Salem looked a different side in the second half, and, after flankers Makaafi and Nick Fontaine both went close, Tennet drove over for his try

Booth added the extras to reduce the arrears to 26-14.

Salem were now in the ascendancy and some slick passing enabled Tennet to put winger Williams over for a try on debut. With the score now at 26-19, it was a definite case of 'game on'.

Unfortunately, Salem's indiscipline enabled Brid to kick a penalty to relieve the pressure.

With scrum half and captain Otis Floyd marshalling the backs and player-coach Mike Myerscough leading the forwards, Bridlington started to get on top once more.

The contest was virtually ended when, with just under 15 minutes remaining, a fortuitous bounce from a box kick led to another converted score, which gave the hosts an unassailable 39-19 advantage.

Although Salem had chances to score a fourth and bonus point try, Bridlington had the last laugh when, in the final play of the game, they scored from a catch and drive to seal an emphatic victory.