Bradford Salem 38, Doncaster Phoenix 5

Bradford Salem kept the pressure up on SSE Yorkshire Division Two leaders Barnsley with a bonus-point win over mid-table Doncaster Phoenix at Shay Lane yesterday.

In only their second game in six weeks, Salem fielded a reshuffled back-line, Tony Williams moving from the wing to fly half, Mark Barlow from fly half to centre, Jonny Robinson from centre to full back and Chris Savva reverting to his more accustomed position on the wing.

However, the gamble seemed to pay off from the outset with the new-look back division playing some exciting and free-flowing rugby.

Williams was first on the scoresheet with a brilliant solo effort, converted by Barlow to put the home side ahead 7-0.

Then Danny Thomas supported an excellent break by fellow winger Savva, whose inside pass sent the former Dudley Hill player on a beautiful angled run to touch down under the posts, Barlow adding the extras to increase the lead to 14 points.

The Bradford side were very much on top at this stage and after the forwards were held up short of the line on several occasions, the ball was moved swiftly wide, allowing centre Matt Steel to dance through the visitors’ midfield defence for a try improved by Barlow to take the scoreline to 21-0.

Shortly after, Salem secured a bonus point when Williams scorched in for his second try, Barlow’s conversion giving the home side a 28-0 advantage at the break.

In the second half, Salem were unable find any rhythm due to the constant whistle of referee Phil Shaw.

Nevertheless, they managed to extend their lead to 33 points when flanker Jamie Booth drove over from close range.

Then a well-rehearsed move in the backs created an overlap on the right which allowed Thomas to stroll over for his second try.

With confidence at a high, Salem should have been able to add to their tally but the increasing penalty count against them meant that they were unable to turn the screw.

To their credit, Doncaster Phoenix never gave up and they scored a consolation try in the final play to give a final scoreline of 38-5.