Bradford Salem are into the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Cup for the first time in their 100-year history after overcoming Huddersfield RUFC 38-21 at Lockwood Park.

Although both teams were missing several key players, it proved to be a fast flowing and entertaining contest.

Despite playing in a division lower than their opponents, Salem largely seemed to be in control.

However, it was Huddersfield who dominated the early exchanges, and it needed some desperate cover tackling by the visitors to keep them out.

With six minutes gone, the momentum swung in Salem's favour thanks to a 50/22 from fly half Harry Williams, and, following a good period of pressure, wingers Josh Charnock and Byron Lisle came close to scoring.

The away side continued to pile on the pressure and when the ball was moved wide from a line-out, centre Sui Matagi passed to Charnock, who went over in the left corner.

Williams then landed the conversion from the touchline to give his side a 7-0 lead after 13 minutes.

Soon after, Charnock almost got over again but Williams’ pass after a superb break by full back Adrea Vasuitoga was judged to have gone forward.

Salem suffered a set-back when referee Kristian Garland sent Conor Wood to the sin-bin for a high shot.

However, despite his side being a man down, Vasuitoga managed to slice through the opposition’s defensive line in midfield to score an excellent try.

Williams added the extras to put the visitors 14-0 up after 35 minutes.

Huddersfield quickly hit back to score a converted try from a quick tap penalty to reduce the deficit to 14-7 but Salem responded moments before the interval.

A good break from the returning Wood and a strong carry by Ben Whitaker lead to a Matagi try, and Williams landed another touchline conversion to give the Bradford side a 21-7 half-time advantage.

Harry Williams is best known for his work in rugby league, but he has proved to be a brilliant rugby union fly half for Bradford Salem over the last few weeks. (Image: John Ashton.)

But four minutes into the second half, a second converted try by Huddersfield reduced the arrears to a single score at 21-14 and when Salem lost skipper Christian Baines to the sin-bin, they looked to be up against it.

However, their defence held firm while they were down to 14 men, and, as soon as Baines returned to the fray, a well-rehearsed move from the backs created a second try for Charnock.

Williams knocked over the conversion to give Salem a 28-14 lead before he landed a penalty from 45 metres out to extend their advantage further.

With 10 minutes remaining, a yellow card meant it was now Huddersfield's turn to go down to 14 men and Salem took full advantage as Matagi scored his second try.

Williams kept up his 100 per cent record with the boot to give his side an unassailable 38-14 lead.

In the final stages, Salem second row John Morrell became the fourth player to receive a yellow card and this enabled Huddersfield to score a late consolation try, as the game finished 38-21.

The victory puts Salem into a home semi-final against West Yorkshire rivals Cleckheaton on Saturday, November 23.