BRADFORD narrowly failed to keep their unbeaten away record in the Yorkshire Inter-District League.

After victories at Halifax-Huddersfield and the East Riding, they faced a Leeds team who had yet to register a win but who were stronger than at any other time of the season so far (their aggregate handicap was plus four).

Leading 8-4 following the foursomes at Headingley – the first time this season that Bradford have been ahead after the morning phase – they were level at 16-16 with only two matches left on the course.

But Jamie Lavin lost 3&2 and Paddy Noble holed a three-footer at the last for Leeds to secure a half and deny Andy Busfield the victory that would have tied the match.

In what was Bradford's third away fixture out of four – they lost their only home match to Harrogate – they gave new Bradford Open champion Jordan Clements his debut and recalled Ian Martin after a near ten-year absence.

James Firth (Marriott Hollins Hall) and Danny Rowley (Shipley), and Terry Brushwood (Bingley St Ives) and Mark Cook (Northcliffe), put Bradford 4-0 up.

But Leeds levelled before Jamie Lavin (Cleckheaton) and Busfield (South Bradford), and Baildon duo Martin and Andy Couzens, gave Bradford a distinct edge.

Team captain Martin Gaffney said: "James and Danny didn't lead until the 16th, when James almost holed his second shot at the par four, and Terry and Mark were three up through ten before winning 4&2.

"Jamie and Andy were one down after nine but won the next three holes on their way to a 3&2 win, while Ian and Andy were three up after nine and completed a comfortable win at the 16th.

"Despite the four-point advantage, everyone knew Leeds would be strong in the afternoon singles – especially with a number of county players in the top order.

"Of the first six matches only Danny Rowley, who had an excellent 3&1 victory against Tom Broxup, and Mark Cook, with a 4&3 win against Scott McGregor, managed to secure points."

Martin holed out from 150 yards at the 16th for an eagle two on the way to a 2&1 win that was matched by Rob Malloy.

A score of 12-12 became 16-16 and Bradford were hopeful that Lavin, who was one down through nine, could mount a similar fightback to that at the KP Club against East Riding.

But he lost 3&2 and the match seemed lost when Busfield was two down with four to play against Noble. However, excellent birdies at 15 and 16 levelled the contest and the 17th was halved.

Gaffney said: "Andy played a great second shot at the 18th to present a 15-foot birdie opportunity and his opponent had missed the green.

"Andy narrowly missed the putt to win his game and tie the match, leaving Paddy a three-foot putt to half. He held his nerve and Leeds took the victory 19-17.

"But York lost to Halifax-Huddersfield and therefore we remain one win off the top of the table (Sheffield and York both have six points to our four) and we still have to play them both at home – York at Shipley on August 7 and Sheffield at Northcliffe on September 4."

Other results: Sheffield 27 East Riding 9 at Wath, Teesside 14 Harrogate 22 at Middlesbrough, York 17 Halifax-Huddersfield 19 at Sandburn Hall.