Yorkshire Shield semi-final: Bradford Salem 50 Yarnbury 20

THE first incident of note at Shay Lane was the poise and balance of former England international Dan Scarborough as he glided between Yarnbury defenders to set up Danny Belcher's eighth-minute try via fly half Andy Robinson.

And the last was a try three minutes into injury-time for the persevering back-rower Jimmy Cryan, scrum half Jarrod Huss adding the conversion.

But in between it was pretty much the Danny Belcher show as Salem claimed their fourth successive Yorkshire One scalp following Wath, Old Brodleians and York to set up a final against Bridlington, who are also in that division.

The Salem full back added three tries to his earlier effort and was also on kicking form, nailing six conversions, including one from each touchline, and a penalty for a personal haul of 35 points.

He secured his hat-trick inside 23 minutes, but the rest of the half belonged to derby visitors Yarnbury, former Baildon player Huss landing two penalties and a conversion of a penalty try which led to Salem back-rower Sam Savage being yellow-carded.

The Yorkshire Division One opponents, who are adamant that their tour to Holland last weekend, which caused this match to be delayed by four days, was officially sanctioned by the Yorkshire RFU, still needed a strong start to the second half.

But Yorkshire Division Two champions Salem were not in the mood to allow that and, after Belcher had kicked a straightforward penalty in the 44th minute, they added Belcher's fourth try and further tries by winger Ryan Smith, from a beautifully-timed Robinson pass, Savage and winger Connor Malarkey.

Now Salem are targeting the double on Sunday, May 10 when they face another Yorkshire One side, Bridlington, at Hull Ionians (3pm).

Delighted Salem skipper James Cunliffe said: "We were on it from minute one to minute 80 from one to 19. We have nothing to fear from facing Bridlington in the final."

Yarnbury were hit by injuries and the after-effects of their tour to Holland. Head coach Bob Hood said: "Salem's backs were very good but you get what you pay for."