Yorkshire Division One: Bradford Salem 33 Yarnbury 22

YARNBURY fielded a strong pack for their home derby against Bradford Salem, with Ian Maycock returning and a settled back line who were learning every game.

With stand-off Kieran Davies to co-ordinate the moves, Yarnbury were hopeful of a win to secure their place in Yorkshire League One for another year, and the omens were good from the start with a line-out on the five-metre line.

Maycock took a customary catch and drive at number two in the line-out but Salem proved canny side and backed off to get the penalty as Yarnbury trundled forward, having passed the ball back when a straight drive from the catcher would likely have been the best option.

Attacks were frequent, and Yarnbury went in front with two penalties from Davies, who was proving tricky to stop.

Centres Tom O'Brien and Connor Moreton both made breaks but Salem them came into it and impressive stand-off Andy Robinson took a gap close in to score, with scrum half Matt Booth converting to give Salem a fortunate lead.

However, it was soon taken back by the Horsforth side with another Davies penalty that was given up by the Salem pack under pressure from Yarnbury.

But the visitors were giving Salem easy position with penalties, and captain and back row James Cryan went to the bin for ten minutes for going over the top, Booth slotting the penalty to regain the lead at 10-9.

Yarnbury, orchestrated by Davies, were looking lively, and O'Brien and Moreton both made half-breaks.

Full back Will Marshall gathered and made ground without looking dangerous but when winger Jack Brown went clear for what looked a certain try, the exchange referee from the East Midlands did not allow the advantage and the chance was gone.

Salem took their chance near the break with a slick chip down the blind side which bounced up for supporting centre Harry Hall to score out wide left, Booth converting to give the home side a somewhat flattering 17-9 lead.

All credit to the Horsforth side for taking the game straight back to Salem after the break with two further Davies penalties as Salem infringed but the visitors gave away a close-in penalty to Salem, Booth converting.

From concerted pressure and driving for the line, Cryan went through the ruck to score close in for Yarnbury, and with Davies converting Yarnbury were 22-20 in front and in control.

Salem, however, were given field position and the ball from Yarnbury mistakes, and Booth kicked two more penalties to put them back in front at 26-22 as the game became attritional.

Some strange decisions to both sides did not help but Yarnbury were looking good for a point if not a win until the last play unbalanced their efforts on the day, with a penalty try given to the home side due to a clash of legs chasing another probing kick from Robinson.

The conversion gave an unbalanced look to the contest but Salem's experience and Yarnbury's youth maybe swayed the result in what was a great effort from the visitors that went unrewarded.