Solid Salem stay tough at death

3:51pm Sunday 9th November 2008

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Sheffield 6, Bradford Salem 9

Salem began in confident mood with the wind in their favour but, as in previous weeks, a number a scoring opportunities were squandered.

Nevertherless, the Bradford side took an early lead courtesy of a long-range penalty from fly half Jonny Robinson (pictured).

The visitors were put under pressure when second row John Morrell was sent to the sin-bin for killing the ball. However, the visitors extended their lead when Robinson was again on target from 40 metres out.

In the second half, Sheffield fly half Donal Collins, aided by the strong wind, made good use of his boot to keep Salem pinned in.

The arrears were reduced to three points when Collins struck over a penalty after Salem were caught offside.

Salem hit back with a further penalty from Robinson but the home side launched a wave of attacks in the final ten minutes. They got to within three points after Collins kicked another penalty when Salem were penalised for diving over at a ruck.

Sheffield were awarded another penalty but this time Collins was wide of the uprights. Despite having No 8 Kris Falwasser sent to the sin-bin and losing skipper Steve Cowman to an elbow injury, Salem held on for a hard-fought victory.

The sides meet again at Abbeydale Park in the third round of the EDF Senior Vase in two weeks.