Bradford Salem see off Wetherby to avenge home agony

Salem, therefore, were determined not to let history repeat itself one year on, and the result was never really in doubt as they overcame a strong visiting side 29-10, securing a bonus point win in the process.

Referee Mark Smith had his hands full in the opening quarter of this Regional Two North East contest and he sent Salem centre Pauli Pauli to the sin bin for a high tackle after just two minutes, Wetherby kicking the resulting penalty for an early 3-0 lead.

However, despite being a man down, Salem hit back when swift handling in the backs created sufficient space outside for winger Adrea Vasuitoga to score in the right corner and put the hosts 5-3 in front.

It was then Wetherby's turn to go down to 14 men as No.8 George Gilbert was yellow carded for a high shot on Andy Robinson.

The visitors were then reduced to 13 men for a swinging arm and Salem took full advantage as Vasuitoga went over for his second try, which Robinson improved to give the home side a 12-3 lead after 25 minutes.

Salem continued to dominate and they extended their lead when hooker James Brown scored a trademark try from a catch and drive to give the hosts a 19-3 advantage at the break.

The home side came close to scoring within five minutes of the restart, but winger Josh Charnock was barged into touch by what looked suspiciously like a no-arms tackle with the try-line beckoning.

Josh Charnock (left) was controversially denied a try in the early stages of the second half on Saturday. (Image: JT Sports Media.)

Then as if to add insult to injury, Wetherby broke away to score a converted try to reduce the deficit to 19-10.

With 25 minutes remaining, Salem were awarded a penalty on the opposition 22 and Robinson took the three points on offer to give his side some breathing space at 22-10.

The rest of the game belonged to Salem and they got the all-important fourth try  for a binus point when a mistake by Wetherby in their own half was seized upon by Robinson.

He was blatantly held back when he looked certain to score as he chased his own hack through.

However, the ball fell kindly to Salem's man of the match Watsoni Radaubale, who dived over for a try, Robinson tagging on the extras to seal a deserved 29-10 win.

Unfortunately, the gloss on the victory was later taken off with the news that late replacement Jason Rolls, who was stretchered off the pitch, had suffered a broken leg.

Elsewhere, in Regional One North East, Cleckheaton scored a last-gasp converted try to win a thriller 29-26 at home to Selby.

Down in Counties One Yorkshire, Keighley destroyed visiting Bridlington 75-12 at Rose Cottage.

In Counties Two Yorkshire, Bradford & Bingley’s game at Hemsworth was called off as the visitors were unable to raise a side.

Baildon did play in the same division, and won 17-10 at Huddersfield Laund Hill.