BRADFORD Veterans' second team made a confident start to their Yorkshire League programme as they won 8-2 away to their York counterparts.

The Bradford side are hopeful of a promotion place this season and Richard Aitken, who was excellent last season, leads the challenge.

He was joined at York by Shamir Bose and Andy Braithwaite and the opening two sets were shared.

Aitken beat Richard Crowther and York No 1 Mick Wilcockson replied with a win over Braithwaite.

The next two sets were pivotal in tipping the scales in Bradford's favour, with Bose 2-0 down to Graham Hatfield but coming through 16-14 in the decider.

Aitken was also 2-0 down to Wilcockson but took the next three 12-10, 11-7 ,11-9 and Bradford were relieved to be 3-1 up and on their way to victory.

Bose and Aitken took three wins each and the doubles, while Braithwaite added a single as Bradford wrapped up a comfortable success.

Meanwhile, there was a strong Yorkshire contingent at the Midland Masters tournament in Wolverhampton and Aitken had a fine run in the 40s singles, reaching the last eight before losing to Simon Pugh.

Phil Cawser, from Dewsbury Tog, had another excellent tournament.

He reached the quarter-finals of the 50s singles before losing to No 4 seed Adrian Pilgrim from Wales.

Then the next day Cawser made it to the semi-finals of the 60s singles before bowing out to third seed and eventual winner Brian Johns from Cheshire.

In the 60s doubles, Cawser was paired with Peter Aird and they had a great run to the final.

The duo beat top seeds Phil Bowen and Phil Biggs and then No 3 seeds Brian Johns and Wayne Percival.

But they had to settle for runners-up spot as they were beaten in the final by second seeds Simon Heaps and Geoff Salter.

RESULTS – Burton Cup: Dewsbury Tog B beat Highdale A, Hermits A beat Hermits C.

Tony Theobould Trophy: Hermits F beat Highdale B, Hermits G beat Rastrick, Pudsey B beat Yeadon B, Baildon A beat Pudsey C, Hermits J beat Hermits I, Thornbury A beat Baildon B, Hermits D beat Hermits E, Baildon D beat Hermits H, Baildon E beat Baildon C.