Bradford Salem 40 Leodiensian 7

BRADFORD Salem continued their winning start in SSE Yorkshire Division Two with an emphatic victory over struggling Leodiensian.

However, despite gaining maximum points, the margin of victory would have been even greater had Salem converted the numerous clear-cut chances they created.

In fact, the Bradford side's finishing will need to improve if they are to mount a serious challenge in a league where points difference may be a decisive factor.,

The home side once again started the game in confident mood and only desperate defence from Leos on their own try line prevented Salem scoring in the opening exchanges.

However, the pressure was always likely to tell and the home side took an early 7-0 lead when Chris Clough, making his debut in the centre, showed good strength to force his way over for a try which was improved by full back Danny Belcher.

Unfortunately, as happened the previous week at Leeds Medics and Dentists, Salem were then guilty of falling in love with themselves, and over-confidence led to some sloppy errors which allowed Leos to level at 7-7.

Thankfully for them, Salem managed to steady the ship and hit back almost immediately as Clough was on hand to finish off a sweeping move for his second try, Belcher again tagging on the extras.

The hosts were now in the ascendancy and the advantage was extended when Belcher scored a fine individual try which he improved himself to make it 21-7.

Salem then earned a bonus point when West Yorkshire Society referee Jon Tomlinson rightly awarded a penalty try after winger Sam Savage was impeded as he attempted to collect his own chip ahead and, although the home side suffered a setback when No 8 Damien Pearson received a yellow card for obstruction, they went into the break with a commanding 28-7 lead.

The hosts were further handicapped when replacement back-rower Jamie Booth was also sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle but, despite being down to 14 men, they created chance after chance, only for the final pass to either go forward or be spilled. Nevertheless, Salem increased their margin to 33-7 when Belcher showed great footwork to score his second try but for the next 25 minutes the game became error-strewn as Salem, in particular, seemed to find it increasingly difficult coping with the slippery conditions.

However, the Heaton side did managed to finish the game on a high as open-side flanker Joe Fawcett finished off some good inter-passing to secure a somewhat unflattering 40-7 victory.