BRADFORD'S billiards team got their Yorkshire Inter-District League season off to a good start with a 5-2 victory at Huddersfield No 2.

Paul Devitt was first to get away in his clash with Huddersfield captain John Ingleby, making a break of 45 for a 76-62 lead.

But with both players exercising considerable caution, highlights were in short supply and it was Ingleby who eventually saw out the game 200-145.

Steve Wilman led from start to finish against an out-of-sorts Julian Hodge and restored parity for Bradford with an excellent 200-135 victory.

Jezz Ford and Bradford captain Stephen Kershaw then traded 30 breaks early in the final game before two more similar runs from the Bradford player saw him establish a lead which was never challenged and his 200-125 success saw Bradford to a 5-2 overall win.

Bradford are playing their home matches at Great Horton Conservative Club this season and the first of these will be against Harrogate on Saturday (7.30pm).

* Division One defending snooker champions Bradford No 1 backed up their opening 3-3 draw against Leeds with an excellent 5-1 victory at Harrogate.

Wayne Cooper took both frames against Gyles Behbood in a repeat of last season's Yorkshire final, while captain Kevin Firth did the same against Andy Blamire.

Lewis Walsh won his first frame comfortably but opponent S Jauncy made sure the hosts avoided a whitewash by claiming the final frame.

The Bradford team return to action this weekend against Ossett No 1 at Undercliffe Cricket Club on Sunday (7pm).

Bradford No 2 take on leaders Wakefield in a top-of-the-table Division Two clash at Cue Gardens on Sunday (7.30pm). Second-placed Bradford will be keen to build on their 3-3 draw with Ossett No 2 and 4-2 victory last time out at Brighouse.

* The semi-finals of the Eric Hodgkinson Bradford Snooker Handicap has been drawn and both matches will be played on Saturday, November 14 at Great Horton Conservative Club.

Four-time Bradford Championship winner Gareth Green (-47 handicap, Harold Club) takes on Matt Yeadon (5, Baildon Woodbottom), while Josh Walker (-7, Undercliffe Cricket Club) plays Robert Lovett (27, Tong Liberals). The final is provisionally set for Saturday, December 5.