Yorkshire Division One: Bradford Salem 34 Selby 5

BRADFORD Salem ended a run of seven successive defeats to secure a much-needed victory over strugglers Selby at Shay Lane.

On a heavy pitch in wet and windy conditions, it was unlikely that Salem would be able to play the free-flowing rugby which brought them a ten-try 67-0 win over Selby at Sandhill Lane earlier in the season.

However, the hosts started positively and, after dominating possession, they took an early 3-0 lead courtesy of a well-struck penalty from full back Danny Belcher.

Selby hit back minutes later when, after a series of scrums on Salem's line, centre Sam Weller scored from a driving maul to put the visitors 5-3 ahead.

But the hosts regained the lead within five minutes when excellent handling in the backs created an overlap on the right, allowing winger Ryan Smith to score in the corner for an 8-5 advantage.

Moments later, Salem scored in almost identical fashion as this time Belcher crossed after more swift handling, the scorer adding the extras to give the home side a 15-5 lead at half-time.

Playing towards their preferred Heaton Woods end in the second half, the home side soon extended their lead when man of the match Belcher ghosted through for his second try, which he improved himself for a healthy 22-5 score.

With less than ten minutes of the half played, the contest was virtually ended when scrum half Matt Child darted over for a try which was again improved by Belcher to make it 29-5.

Salem then suffered a blow when referee John Eyre sent Salem's Canadian No 8 Chad Bain to the sin bin for entering a ruck from the side and, while  down to 14 men, Salem conceded an increasing number of penalties.

In deteriorating conditions, they had to wait until the 77th minute to add to their tally as Smith scored his second try to seal victory.