Bradford Salem clinched a place in a cup semi-final for the second time in little more than 48 hours after defeating Bradford & Bingley 28-13 last night.

They followed up Saturday's Yorkshire Shield triumph over Yarnbury by beating the Bees in the Sulzer Roteq Services (UK) Aire-Wharfe Cup.

It means they will now play old Otliensians next Monday (6.30) just two days after facing Redcar in the Yorkshire Shield.

Apart from a scrappy finale in very dim light, Salem were mostly in control of last night's second round home clash against Bradford and Bingley.

On an evening of snow flurries, the visitors led 6-3 after 12 minutes via two Sam Cummins penalties to one by Joe Simpson.

But apart from a late try by Asa Firth that was converted by Cummins, Salem were never second best again.

Flanker Steve Cowman got the touchdown from a superb forward drive to give the hosts the lead at 8-6 in the 18th minute, and they led 14-6 by half-time thanks to two more Simpson penalties.

The clinching try came in the first minute of the second half. Fly-half Andy Dalton bounced his kick-off into touch and lock Jason France scored from the line-out with Simpson converting.

After 47 minutes centre Tony Fella plunged over with Simpson again converting.

Salem lost hooker Simon Markey (neck) and left winger Damien Cope (knee) injured, but both should be fit for Saturday.

Otliensians won 10-7 at Bramley Phoenix Park in the only other quarter-final played.

Dave Smith got all the points for 'ensians with a try, a conversion and a penalty, Andy England (try) and Micky Benn (conversion) replying.

The other semi-final is between holders Yarnbury and Wharfedale.

Yarnbury received a walkover against Old Modernians at Cookridge, and Wharfedale likewise from visitors West Park Bramhope.

Mick Harper (Aireborough), secretary of the Aire-Wharfe Cup committee, said: "Reading between the lines, I think that both Modernians and West Park Bramhope would have played if circumstances had been different.

"I feel that West park would have been able to raise a side if they had been drawn at home, and Modernians too if they hadn't just had a tour last weekend."

Sulzer Roteq Services (UK) Aire-Wharfe Cup - Second round: Bradford Salem 28, Bradford & Bingley 13; Bramley Phoenix Park 7, Old Otliensians 10; Yarnbury w.o. Old Modernians; Wharfedale w.o. West Park Bramhope.

Semi-finals (next Monday, 6.30): Bradford Salem v Old Otliensians, Yarnbury v Wharfedale.

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