BRADFORD saw victory snatched from their grasp as they ran out of steam in a 20-16 defeat against York at Shipley.

Martin Gaffney's side looked on course for a victory which would have seen them draw level with their visitors and keep them in contention for the Yorkshire Inter-District League title.

But having won nine and half points out of the first ten in the singles – the sides having shared the morning foursomes 6-6 – Bradford could only gain one half out of the remaining seven matches.

Gaffney, who earned that half after losing the 18th to a birdie, said: "I opted to mix up the order and put some of the more experienced players out later but it didn't pay off."

Bradford's last five men – Andy Town, Mark Cook, Terry Brushwood, Matthew Morrison and Dan Teece – all suffered defeat after wins from Ben Rhodes, Chris Green, Rob Malloy and Andrew Busfield had put them in the box seat, Matt Ryder also gaining a half after lipping out for the win at the last against Yorkshire player Martin Brown.

Youngster Rhodes, of Woodhall Hills, caught the eye in particular with a 5&4 win over Olly Adamson first up.

"I put Ben as number one and he really stood up to the challenge," said Gaffney. "It was an excellent win for Ben and was noted by the Yorkshire President Jonathan Plaxton, who was in attendance."

Meanwhile, Gaffney has asked club officials to schedule their Scratch Cup events to avoid being on the same weekend as Union team matches.

He said: "I understand Baildon and Bingley St Ives had their 36 holes Scratch Cup events on Saturday – other clubs may have too. While not an excuse for our loss, it is a lot to ask players to play 72 holes over a weekend, or, as some players elected, to represent the Union ahead of their club Scratch event.

"Therefore, I urge club officials to schedule their Scratch Cup events on weekends that do not clash

with Union events."

St Ives pair Brushwood and Town opted not to play in their club cup, while Teece – who lost both his games against York after coming in as a replacement for Cleckheaton's Jamie Lavin – won Baildon's event the day before.

Gaffney said: "Dan was a reserve but said he didn't want to let the team down and would play, even though he had 36 holes the day before. He inevitably tired on Sunday."

Bradford's next fixture is away to Teesside at Blackwell Grange on August 21. Gaffney is expected to blood some youngsters during the final two games now that their title hopes are effectively over.