Bradford Salem 41, Ripon 3

Bradford Salem moved into second place in SSE Yorkshire Division Two after an emphatic victory over struggling Ripon yesterday.

On a heavy pitch at Shay Lane, the game soon developed into a forward battle, with Salem’s bigger pack getting the better of the early exchanges.

Ripon then enjoyed a lengthy period camped on the Salem line but, despite the fact that the visitors managed to string together wave after wave of close-range attacks, the Bradford defence somehow managed to hold firm.

Salem tried to play a more expansive attacking game but mistakes were inevitable in the testing conditions.

Nevertheless, the home side’s endeavours were finally rewarded when swift handling in the backs created an overlap on the right, allowing winger Danny Thomas to dive over in the corner.

Fly half Mark Barlow landed the touchline conversion to put his side ahead 7-0 and, shortly afterwards, kicked a penalty to extend the home side’s advantage to ten points.

Ripon responded positively and enjoyed another period of pressure on Salem’s line but again the home defence weathered the storm and the visitors had to be content with a penalty to give a scoreline of 10-3 at the break.

Salem began the second half in positive mood and they soon got on the scoreboard when blind-side flanker Damien Pearson scorched over for a try, improved by Barlow to extend the lead to 15-3.

Then winger Tony Williams won the foot-race following a kick and chase for a fine try in the corner to make it 20-3.

Salem then secured a deserved bonus point when scrum half Ian Woodwiss dummied his way over from close range for a try improved by Barlow.

The home side were now in the ascendancy and Barlow was next on the scoresheet with a try which he improved himself to give Salem a 34-3 advantage.

Then, with the last play of the game, Thomas cut a superb angle for his second try of the game, creator Barlow adding the extras to seal a 41-3 victory.