Bradford Salem had to survive a 'stewards inquiry' last night before qualifying for next Monday's Sulzer Roteq Services (UK) Aire-Wharfe Cup final.

Old Otliensians, beaten 10-8 in a tense but scrappy semi-final at Shay Lane, queried the eligibility of West Bowling RL player Peter Simpson - one of Salem's second half replacements.

The Cup committee then held an emergency meeting in Salem's clubhouse, and committee member Gerry Matthewman (Otley) said: "Neil Klenk (Salem's match secretary) assures us that Peter is a registered player.

"Otliensians thought that players had to be registered league players to play in our event, but they only have to be club members."

Salem's first team manager Paul rae, who spoke on his club's behalf in the meeting with Klenk, said: "Peter went back to rugby league last season and we never de-registered him."

Salem, who won the right to stage next Monday's final against Wharfedale (6.45), led 10-0 at half-time through tries by centre Steve Brown and lock Jason France.

But they had to survive a determined second half fightback from Otliensians, who got a penalty from full back Dave Smith and a try from prop Tony Twist.

Andy Gannon missed two first half penalties for Salem, while overall Smith missed three penalties and a conversion for the visitors, hitting a post with another penalty.

A fifth penalty four minutes from time by Ed Tiffany gave the Dalesmen a fine 15-13 win at holders Yarnbury.

The hosts replied with a try by skipper Andy Marshall and a conversion and two penalties by Steve Galbraith.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.