BRADFORD Salem could not have wished for a better start to their defence of the Yorkshire Shield, scoring with their first attack in a 45-19 victory at Wath, who were guided by former Bees and Yorkshire scrum half Joe Bartlett.

The hosts spilled the kick-off and, from the resulting scrum, swift handling put winger Ryan Smith clear on the right and his inside pass found supporting back-rower Chad Bain, allowing the big Canadian to cross for what must be the fastest try by a debutant in Salem's history.

Full back Danny Belcher converted the second-minute try and also improved scores by prop John Bradbury and Smith, after more good work by Bain, Belcher also landing a penalty as Salem led 24-7 at half-time.

Smith was over again in the 55th minute and, although Wath hit back with two tries when Salem hooker Simon Markey was in the sin-bin, the visitors – buoyed by Dean McNicholl taking three balls on Wath line-outs when two days shy of his 50th birthday – finished with a flourish with a brilliant solo try by Smith and another sweeping try by debutant Nick Fontaine.

Salem now visit Hullensians on Saturday, November 28, while Keighley – inspired by player-coach Hamish Pratt – won 36-5 at Ripon to earn a trip to Middlesbrough on the same date.

Fly half Alex Brown scored Keighley's first two tries and completed his hat-trick after the interval, lock Josh Hannah running in a 50-metre interception try and No 8 Pratt getting one himself.

Old Grovians, with ten newcomers and no pre-season game, went down 32-17 at Pontefract. Dean Hogg, Dom Copsey and skipper Christian Baines got the tries, with wingers Hogg and Amesh Ahir looking particularly dangerous.

In the Yorkshire Silver Trophy, Baildon beat visitors Stocksbridge 34-16 at home, the returning JJ O'Connell getting three tries with others coming from Joe Moore and Robbie Hill.

They will next play Thornensians at home – but Wibsey went down 45-7 at home to Ossett, who now visit Bramley Phoenix.

Flanker Chris Farley got Wibsey's try, Elliott Gray converting, but Ossett were too well drilled and had too big a pack against hosts who were missing a handful of squad members.