BRIAN Royston was in superb form as Great Horton Conservative Club retained the Moorhouse Shield – Bradford's premier team billiards trophy – with victory against Clayton Rugby Club A at Chapel Green Liberal Club.

With 75 for the team to make up on the handicap, Clayton's Hughie Donnelly won by 91 with victory over Colin Brooksbank (200-109), the highlight being a 44 break, while team-mate Mick Lythgow edged a narrow success against a determined Aussie McGann 200-190, with the Clayton player making a break of 30 midway through. This left Clayton 26 in front at the interval with all still to play for.

Great Horton's Terry Crawshaw and Clayton's Nick Hale were neck and neck for most of their match, while Royston pulled away early on against Clayton's captain Paul Ascough, breaks of 30 and 33 putting the Great Horton skipper 132-31 in front.

Hale closed out his game 200-158 but, despite a spirited effort from Ascough, Royston won 200-98 for a team success by 34 points.

The South Bradford Games League have had an extraordinary meeting of their committee to relax their ruling that clubs need both a billiards and a snooker team to register.

It has been agreed in principal, subject to voting at the annual meeting, that an invitation is in place to clubs throughout Bradford who wish to join with a snooker or a billiards team, although they can enter with both if they wish.

Clubs can register their interest in joining the well-established league or find out further information by contacting league secretary James Butcher on 07742-686655.

The annual presentation night of the Bradford Conservative Games League takes place next Tuesday at Owlett Hall Social Club, Greenfield Avenue, Shipley.

All prize winners should make every effort to attend or at least have someone to represent them.