Bradford No.1 close in on title

12:23pm Wednesday 9th April 2008

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Right on Cue

Bradford No.1 overwhelmed defending champions Sheffield No.1 5-1 to take pole position going into the closing stages of the Yorkshire Inter-District League.

With the two sides level at the top of Division One ahead of the Thornton Conservative Club clash, it was viewed as a must-win fixture for Bradford as Sheffield still have a game in hand.

Wayne Cooper edged the first frame of the night against David Birley, picking off the colours to put Bradford one up - and this soon became 2-0 as in-form Cooper made an excellent break of 92.

Sheffield's Mick Sanderson, something of a bogey player for Simon Bedford, pulled one back for Sheffield after making a frame-winning 45 break.

But Bedford then got into his stride and cleared the next frame with a break of 63 to put Bradford 3-1 in front.

Mark Slater opened with a 38 break against Kevin Breeze and comfortably won that frame, before firing in further breaks of 54 and 39 in the last.

This secured Bradford a much-deserved victory and a four-frame lead over Sheffield at the top of the table.

Bradford have one fixture remaining, away to bottom side Wakefield No.2 on April 20, while Sheffield must travel to Barnsley this weekend and then have a tough trip to Castleford on the final weekend of the season.

In Division Two, Bradford No.2 are in action this weekend with a trip to face Leeds No.1.

This is another must-win game for Bradford, who are currently level in second place with Sheffield No.2. The rival teams meet at Manningham Ward on April 27.

• Cooper plays in the English Amateur Championship at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds on Saturday.

The competition is down to the last 32 but split, with 16 players competing separately in northern and southern sections.

The winner of each section will play each other as part of the main EASB finals weekend on May 17-18.

Ranking points are available at each round of matches and Cooper will be hoping for a good run in Leeds to set him up for his final Pro Ticket Tour event the following week, where he stands at third.

• The Yorkshire Snooker Pairs Championship has now been confirmed for Sunday, May 11 at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.

Entry fees are £12 per pair and can be made on the day. Further details will appear in this column nearer the date, once registration times are known.

• The Hopkinson Plate semi-finals get underway tomorrow night, with first-leg matches taking place.
• East Bowling Unity take on Eccleshill Victoria Cons, while Buttershaw Lane WMC host defending champions Birkenshaw Liberal Club.

Second legs will be played next Thursday, with the final to be contested on May 1 at Lilycroft WMC.

• The Flexprint Services-sponsored Heys Trophy final is to be played next Thursday at Undercliffe Cricket Club (7.30) and will be contested by Cuedos Snooker Club A and Laisterdyke Cricket Club A.
• Anyone wishing to watch will be made welcome at the club, situated on Intake Road.

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