BRADFORD Salem's injury problems worsened as they lost another four players during the course of their 35-17 derby defeat at Old Brodleians in Yorkshire Division One.

On a wet and windy afternoon at Woodhead Park, Salem – who were already missing a number of key players – were reduced to 14 men in the second half.

Prop John Bradbury, second-rowers John Morrell and Connor Malarkey and flanker Callum Manchester all had to leave the field.

Without this unfortunate string of mishaps, Salem would undoubtedly have been in with a shot against unbeaten second-placed Brods.

With the wind and slope in their favour, Salem drew first blood when No 8 Christian Baines drove over for a try.

They extended their lead after 20 minutes when brilliant inter-passing between fly half Andy Robinson, full back Ryan Smith and winger Jake Abram got them to within metres of the Brods line, Robinson's deft chip putting Smith in for a try.

There was then a potentially game-changing moment when players from both sides challenged to collect a sliced clearance kick deep in Brods territory.

However, despite the fact that the home side appeared to knock on, the ball fell kindly into the arms of winger Ben Barron, who raced 70 metres to score against the run of play.

Salem were then awarded a penalty try by referee Andy Baker from a five-metre scrum to leave the Bradford side 17-5 in front.

They looked like extending their lead before half-time but, after turning over possession, Brods scored from a catch and drive to make them firm favourites.

Old Brodleians got back on equal terms just three minutes after the interval when outstanding centre Phil Town weaved his way past several defenders to score a fine individual try, improved by No 8 Oliver Akroyd, to bring the scores level.

The hosts then took the lead for the first time as Akroyd kicked a penalty – but Salem spurned an opportunity to level with 15 minutes remaining, choosing to kick for touch, only to lose possession and see Brodleians break away to score a fourth try.

Trailing 25-17, Salem were then punished as another error led to another breakaway which enabled Barron to score his second try.

In injury time, Salem looked like they would earn themselves two losing bonus points as they launched a final assault.

The pressure seemed to have told as swift handling in the backs put replacement winger Henry Brown clear on the right.

Unfortunately, he was hauled down agonisingly short of the line and, as if to rub salt in the wound, Brods broke away to score their sixth try in the last play of the game.