Bradford Salem stun Morley with turnaround to stay top

However, the 38-year-old flanker turned the tide as he scored three tries in 15 minutes to earn the Bradford side five valuable points and keep them on top of the table.

Salem had not played Morley at first-team level since a Yorkshire Cup tie 97 years ago and a sizeable crowd turned up to watch only the second-ever meeting between the sides.

For those in attendance, they had the mouth-watering prospect to look forward to of Bob Hood’s league leaders playing a Morley team currently sitting in fourth place, having won all of their previous games at home.      

In ideal playing conditions, it was the hosts who were first on the scoreboard courtesy of an early penalty from scrum half Noah Hawkins for a 3-0 lead.

Salem fly-half Andy Robinson soon levelled matters but moments later Hawkins kicked a second penalty to put his side 6-3 up after 10 minutes.

There was then a lengthy stoppage as two Morley players collided with each other from the restart, the game eventually resuming with a Salem scrum 20 metres from their opponent's line.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty in a kickable position but skipper Christian Baines elected to go for touch.

The decision paid off as a clever inside pass from Robinson put prop Conor Wood through for a try, Robinson adding the extras to give the visitors a 10-6 lead.

Morley responded positively but a potential try-scoring pass was intercepted by Salem winger Jake McFarlin.

Despite the flyer combining well with Mirzaali, the ball eventually went to ground, allowing Morley to relieve the pressure.      

Salem suffered a big blow when referee Andy Williamson sent Suaia Matagi to the sin-bin for a high tackle and Morley took full advantage of their extra man.

Hawkins, who was outstanding throughout, burst through to score a fine individual try which he improved himself to put the home side 13-10 in front.

An excellent break from Morley skipper Nick Green got his side immediately back on the attack and, following a sustained period of pressure, the hosts scored a second try to give them a 18-10 advantage at the break.

Salem came close to scoring within a minute of the restart but dropped the ball over the line.

However, they continued to press and, following an excellent catch and drive from a line-out, the ball was moved swiftly wide allowing winger Byron Lisle to scorch over in the left corner.

Replacement Harry Williams landed the tricky conversion from the touchline to reduce the deficit to 18-17.

Although Salem had the lion's share of possession over the next 10 minutes, it was Morley who came closest to scoring and, had Hawkins been able to regather his kick and chase, the outcome of the game could have been different.

However, no one could have predicted the impact Fontaine would have as he entered the fray.

Following a break down the blindside, Salem got themselves deep into opposition territory.

After a Robinson half-break, Fontaine ghosted through the home defence to score with his very first touch of the ball, Williams tagging on the conversion to put his side 24-18 in front.

Straight from the restart, Salem were back on the attack and, after another Robinson half-break, Fontaine was on hand to score his second try, which Williams improved to extend the visitors lead to 31-18.

Andy Robinson (second left) was integral to Salem's second half comeback. (Image: LDR Photography.)

Salem continued to press and a superb Williams touch-finder got them to within striking distance.

Then, after a catch and drive, Fontaine completed his hat-trick, Williams landing another conversion from the touchline to give the hosts an unassailable 38-18 lead.  

With time ticking away, it needed a great tackle by Callum Smith to prevent Morley getting a consolation try as they ended the second half scoreless.

In Regional One North East, Cleckheaton dropped to eighth after struggling defensively in a 46-27 defeat at Heath, the hosts going fourth as a result.

Third-placed Keighley are losing ground in Counties One Yorkshire after being beaten by both of the top two in consecutive weeks.

They followed up their narrow home defeat to North Ribblesdale with a 24-19 away defeat at Pocklington on Saturday.

In Counties Two Yorkshire, Baildon shot up to fifth with a 31-12 home win over struggling Northallerton.

Divisional and local rivals Bradford & Bingley also won, a fine defensive display helping them see off Roundhegians 18-7 at Wagon Lane.