BRADFORD Salem have found themselves three tries down in the opening quarter of their recent visits to Dinnington before rallying later in the game.

However, it was very much a case of role reversal as, this time, Salem scored two tries to none to lead 10-9 at half-time in this Counties One Yorkshire clash.

In unusually fine weather at Dinnington, the hosts chose to play down the slope and, as usual, Salem had some defending to do in the early stages.

Having weathered the early pressure, a good return by full-back Harley Robertshaw put speedy winger Caleb McConville clear down the right flank but, unfortunately, his inside pass, which was intended for supporting scrum half Callum Smith, went to ground.

Dinnington's cause wasn't helped by injuries to centre Daniel Wilkinson and flanker Ryan Donnelly in the first 10 minutes, but they still managed to take a 3-0 lead courtesy of a well-struck penalty from fly-half Jonny West.

Salem's response was swift and a bullocking run by prop Xander McConville got his side to within striking distance.

Then a good take in the line by second rower Dom Bailey gave skipper and No.8 Christian Baines the chance to power over the line and put the visitors 5-3 in front.

Smith was unable to land the conversion but he soon made amends as his clever chip through found Caleb McConville in space and he dived over in the corner to increase Salem's lead to 10-3.

Although indiscipline by Salem allowed West to kick two further penalties to reduce the arrears to 10-9, the visitors had to be happy with a one-point lead, with the benefit of playing downhill in the second half.

But the momentum of the game swung massively in the home side's favour straight from the restart when West collected the kick-off reception virtually on his own line.

However, the Dinnington fly-half, who has just returned to the club after a spell at Doncaster Knights, kicked the ball fully 90 metres to earn the hosts a lineout on their opponent's five-metre line.

Dinnington scored from the ensuing catch and drive and West converted from the touchline to put the South Yorkshire club 16-10 in front.

Salem were then reduced to 14 men when centre Joel Marsh was perhaps harshly sent to the bin for a minor technical offence.

Dinnington took full advantage of their extra man when their big No.8, Daniel Cribbis, forced his way over for a try, which West improved to increase his side's lead to 23-10.

Salem hit back within five minutes, and, although Xander McConville was hauled down inches short after another strong carry, the ball was moved wide enabling winger Ben Shaw to cross in the left corner to reduce the deficit to 23-15.

Another superb West touch-finder earned Dinnington another five-metre lineout and despite some desperate Salem defending, the pressure eventually told as the hosts forced their way over the line for a 28-15 lead.

Salem were still very much in the contest and had a number of opportunities to score a fourth bonus point try to set up a grandstand finish.

However, it was Dinnington who had the final say, as they scored their own bonus point try from yet another catch and drive to seal a 33-15 victory.

Having won their opening league game, Salem have now lost their last three.

Elsewhere in the division, Keighley soared up to third after a fine 39-17 victory over Old Rishworthians.

Up in Regional One North East, mid-table hosts Cleckheaton were thumped 49-7 by visiting Billingham.

In Regional Two, Bradford & Bingley are still suffering a hangover from last season, rooted to the foot of the table after a 52-10 loss at Malton and Norton.

Finally, in Counties Two Yorkshire, Baildon suffered their first defeat of the campaign, beaten 23-18 at Leeds Corinthians.