Leaders Bees provide giant task for Brods
Old Brodleians face Yorkshire One leaders Bradford & Bingley at Woodhead tomorrow (2.15) with a spring in their step following a convincing victory at Bradford Salem. A much-improved performance, particularly from the pack, in a 26-17 win six days ago will give them confidence against a side who have topped the table from the beginning of the season.
The Bees are five points clear of Malton and Norton, with a game in hand, and have won nine league games on the bounce since their only defeat of the campaign, by 27-23, at Hullensians on Novemver 7.
Although Brods lost 26-12 at Wagon Lane in October, the Woodhead boys matched their opponents for long periods and have been looking forward to the rematch.
The club’s second XV will be looking to continue their revival with a trip to Morley.
A solid second half performance led by veteran Luke Scrimshaw did the trick against Salem, who had two men sent off late on.
On a firm, level pitch the hosts made a lively start through their backs, taking the lead after five minutes when an inside ball to centre Harry Hall was finished in fine style under the posts. Danny Belcher converted.
Brods shunted the home side off their own ball at the first scrum. From the resulting pressure Simanu Tusiga grounded the ball over the line but defenders had pushed back the winger by the time the referee arrived.
Michael Briggs went close from the resulting scrum but eventually a penalty try was awarded and Matty Hoyle converted for 7-7 after 10 minutes.
Salem threatened from the restart but the defence held with Matt Raven and Jonny Cole catching the eye.
A wild pass was intercepted by Tusiga on his own 22 and the Samoan ran the length of the field and beat the cover defence. Hoyle again converted.
Brods were dominant in most areas with Liam Scott kicking well and James Ogden and Bob Sykes combining to supply a steady stream of lineout ball.
Tusiga went close again, losing the ball over the line when clear. However, from another dominant scrum, stand in number nine Hoyle dived over near the posts and converted to extend the lead to 21-7 after 23 minutes.
Salem again showed great pace in their backs, moving the ball quickly through hands for Conor Wood to finish wide on the left. Belcher converted and added a penalty just before half time to make it 17-21.
The Woodhead boys set about their task in the second half with relish and enthusiasm, dominating territory.
Scott was yellow carded but it was Salem who really lost their discipline. Briggs was a threat and following a kick and chase his tackler was sent off for foul play.
In the closing seconds a wild pass was intercepted by Scott, who touched down with glee for a bonus point try.
An incident following the Brods score earned another Salem player a red card.