Right on Cue

BRADFORD'S billiards team got their Yorkshire Inter-District League season off to a positive opening with a 5-2 success at Huddersfield No 2.

John Ingleby gave Huddersfield a flying start with a break of 54 and, after Paul Devitt had pulled most of the points back, added a further break of 41.

At this point the host player looked to be heading for a big win but Devitt hit back strongly late in the game with a 34 break of his own and only missed out by 200-182.

Steady and consistent scoring throughout saw Bradford captain Stephen Kershaw post a 200-114 victory against an out-of-sorts Julian Hodge, leaving everything resting on the final match between Jezz Ford and Steve Wilman.

Bradford player Wilman took an early lead with a 32 break but, just when a big win looked likely, his opponent mounted a fightback with a run of 35 and followed this with another in the late 20s to take him into the lead.

However, Wilman held his nerve with an unfinished break of 21 to secure a 200-183 verdict and an overall victory for Bradford.

Kershaw was also involved in the English Billiards Championship qualifiers at Cue Gardens in Odsal, where two wins and a defeat were enough to see the Bradford captain through to the next phase in February.

Bradford's two snooker sides are both in Division One action on Sunday (7.30pm), with defending champions No 1 hosting Sheffield No 3 at Undercliffe Cricket Club and the No 2 team at home to Harrogate at Cue Gardens. Spectators are welcome at both matches.

The Yorkshire Snooker Handicap is now confirmed for Sunday, November 16 at Cue Gardens.

Registration will be from 9.00-9.45am with a £10 entry fee and matches are expected to start at 10.15am. Early rounds are likely to be best of three but this is dependant upon entries.

A strict dress code applies of collared shirt or polo, trousers and shoes. For further information contact Richard Bakes on 07940-651850.