Bradford Salem continued their winning ways in Counties One Yorkshire with a well-earned 31-15 win at Old Rishworthian to maintain their slender one point lead at the top of the table with two games to go.

On a heavy pitch at Copley, Salem conceded five penalties in the opening six minutes and although Rish full back Rangi Kui missed his first attempt at goal, he soon made amends with his second as the home side took an early 3-0 lead.

Kui missed an opportunity to extend his side’s advantage with their sixth successive penalty but, with 15 minutes gone, Salem were finally given a penalty of their own.

Andy Robinson's touch-finder got the visitors to within 10 metres of their opponent’s line.

From the resulting line-out, Dom Bailey, playing in his 50th game for the club, set up a driving maul, and, when the ball was moved right, Robinson found Tom Cummins on a superb angled run and the No.8 and Salem man of the match bumped off the last defender to score a fine try.

That was improved by Jake Green to put the Bradford side 7-3 in front.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Winger Jake Green did not score a try for once, but he did land three of his five conversion attempts on Saturday.Winger Jake Green did not score a try for once, but he did land three of his five conversion attempts on Saturday. (Image: LDR Photography.)

Salem were back on the attack straight from the restart, and, following a strong carry from Morgan Mirzaali and an intelligent kick by Robinson, Fijian winger Adrea Vasuitoga went over in the left corner.

That made it three tries for him already in only two first-team appearances and it ensured the visitors moved 12-3 ahead.

Salem, at this point, were clearly getting on top, and extended their lead to 19-3 when prop Conor Wood powered over after good work by skipper Christian Baines.

Although Salem continued to dominate, their progress was thwarted by another string of penalties against them and they did well to prevent Rish from scoring just before the break.

However, as the second half got underway, two further penalties in their favour enabled Rish to pile on the pressure.

Off the back of those, they scored following a quick tap, Kui adding the extras to reduce the deficit to 19-10.

Salem responded positively as they started to get the upper hand in the scrums.

This allowed the Heaton side to play a more expansive game and, after some punishing runs in midfield, winger Aaron Magee showed great strength and footwork to cross for a try.

Green added the extras to take the score to 26-10 in the away side’s favour.

Salem were now playing some excellent rugby and a looping Robinson pass found Mirzaali in space down the left flank.

Then, after Fin Southcott and Isaac Lickley both went close, scrum half Callum Smith was on hand to score his side’s fifth try for an unassailable 31-10 lead with just under 10 minutes remaining.

Although an uncharacteristic mistake by Salem gifted Rish a breakaway try to reduce the arrears to 31-15, the visitors were more than happy to gain the five points they had targeted to keep their promotion aspirations on track.