Bradford Salem 7, Selby 5

A tremendous, and at times heroic, defensive display earned Bradford Salem a hard-fought but deserved Yorkshire Division One victory over Selby yesterday.

In very heavy conditions at Shay Lane, the contest was always going to be decided in the forwards, and the veteran second-row partnership of Dean McNicholl and Damien Cope more than made up for the absence of John Morrell and Damien Pearson.

It was difficult to single anyone out in the home pack but blind-side flanker Jamie Booth is worthy of a special mention for his amazing work-rate and tackling on the fringes.

The Bradford side were under the cosh during the opening 20 minutes but somehow managed to prevent Selby getting over the line.

Salem then, rather unexpectedly, broke out of defence and found themselves in their opponents' 22 for the first time.

The home side began to apply the pressure and, from a five-metre scrummage, Kiwi No 8 Kris Falwasser picked up from the base to score.

Fly half Matt Booth then added the extras to give his side a 7-0 lead against the run of play.

The visitors were clearly stunned to be behind, despite having the lion’s share of possession, and soon had Salem on the back foot once again.

However, the Salem defence continued to hold firm and with half-time approaching it looked like they were going to keep a clean sheet.

Unfortunately, the Heaton side came up with an error in midfield when in a promising attacking position, and Selby were able to hack the ball deep into their opponents' 22.

After a number of punishing attacks on the Salem line, Kiwi prop forward Tereina Maclean finally managed to force his way over to reduce the arrears to 7-5 at the break.

In the second half, Selby had at least 80 per cent of the possession but simply couldn’t breach the stubborn and tenacious Salem defensive line.

Despite injuries to props Craig Buxton and Simon Davies and the sin-binning of hooker John Bradbury, the home side held out to record a famous victory. The hard-earned four points also gives Salem a timely lift as they battle against relegation.