Ramgarhia 2, Bradford 2 - Bradford turned in a poor performance in the top-of-the-table clash with second- placed Ramgarhia at South Leeds Stadium that ended their hopes of promotion from Yorkshire Division One.

Although Bradford started confidently, they never really found their rhythm. By contrast Ramgarhia, without their key ex-international players, played the ball around well, using the talents of Chana on the left wing to make dangerous forays down the Bradford flank.

His elusive skill caused Bradford captain Iain Lettice to concede a penalty stroke for an illegal tackle in the 17th minute. Sweeper Sujeet obliged with a good flick, but Rob Terry was unlucky not to make a stop with a flying dive that only succeeded in parrying the ball onto the inside of the post.

This goal galvanized Bradford into some their best hockey, and within seven minutes Mark Hammond finished a flowing move to equalise.

However, by the 28th minute Ramgarhia were back in the lead from Dipa's initiative.

A reorganisation of Bradford's defence at half-time improved their marking and made a platform for attack. This was rewarded 20 minutes into the half when Jaspal Panesar drove a hard ball into Ramgarhia's circle where Luther Brown showed good footwork to deflect the ball past the keeper for the equaliser.

Eight minutes later Bradford were denied the winner when Paddy Meredith steered the ball over the keeper's outstretched stick, only for the full back to make a brilliant save on the line, diving to sweep the ball clear.

Bradford were unlucky not to win the North Under-13 Mini Championships at Kirkham Grammar School, Preston.

With three wins under their belt and a goal difference that was nigh-impossible to catch, they went into their last game knowing that a draw would be good enough to triumph.

But the players tired and opponents Bowden had paced themselves better throughout.

Once they got in front they had no intention of allowing Bradford back in the game.

In the end, a 6-2 result did not reflect the performance put up the Bradford lads.

This weekend Mike Shkurka (Thornton GS) and Ashley Hadcroft (St Bede's GS) travel with the North East Under-14 squad to Scotland for four games in preparation for the National Divisional Tournament.

Divisional Under-13 players Danny Barstow (Brighouse High School), Tom Handley (Morley GS) and Ashley Hadcroft (St Bede's GS) are preparing for their Divisional Invitation Tournament at Leeds Metropolitan University in late June.