Hullensians 22 Bradford Salem 22

BRADFORD Salem could consider themselves lucky to salvage a draw in Yorkshire Division One, as Hullensians missed a simple penalty with the last kick of the game.

With several key backs already missing, Salem received a huge blow early on when centre Conor Wood fractured his cheekbone in a mistimed tackle.

He was replaced by debutant Sven Guttenbeil, who moved onto the left wing, with fellow new boy Kyle Moore taking Wood’s position in the centre.

With a strong wind behind them, Hullensians went on the attack and winger Billy Knapp scored to put his side 5-0 ahead after only five minutes.

Salem’s early struggles were compounded when referee Richard Arthur harshly sin-binned winger Jake Green for a clumsy high challenge on his opposite number.

Having then won an attacking penalty, Hullensians opted to kick for touch and their decision was vindicated as hooker Andy Vernon forced his way over from the lineout to put the home-side 10-0 up.

Salem’s first meaningful attack earned them a penalty in front of the posts and Guttenbeil reduced the arrears to 10-3.

Then, after good runs from Guttenbeil and full-back Ryan Smith, flanker Mike MacDonald was on hand to drive over from the breakdown to bring the score back to 10-8.

Within minutes of the restart, Hullensians were awarded a penalty and opted for a scrum. Jason Conroy and Tommy Sawden combined well to create an overlap for winger Josh Langford, who dived over in the corner to give his side a 15-8 advantage.

Salem fly half Chris Clough then received a yellow card for deliberately slapping the ball forward at the breakdown, and flanker Jordan Knapp scored a converted try from the resulting scrum penalty to put the hosts 22-8 in front.

Midway through the second half, Salem skipper Christian Baines went close to scoring on three occasions, but there was a growing feeling that it was not to be their day.

Eventually, a good counter-attack got Salem deep into opposition territory and Baines managed to cross for that elusive try. Jake Green landed an excellent conversion to get the visitors back to 22-15.

With just over five minutes left, a half break by Clough put Salem on the front foot, and, when Smith crossed for a converted try, the visitors were clear favourites with the scores level at 22-22.

However, Rhys Green was penalised for holding on and this enabled Hullensians to launch one last attack at the death.

With the home side pressing, Clough received a second yellow card for another deliberate knock down and this gave Guy Martinson the opportunity to seal victory with a kick from only 10 metres out.

Due to the strong wind, Martinson had to rely on a team-mate to hold the ball for him and when the referee warned him that he only had 10 seconds left to complete the kick, he seemed to rush his attempt.

The ball sailed wide of the uprights as the game ended in a thrilling draw.