BRADFORD lost their first match of the YORKSHIRE VETERANS' INTER-DISTRICT LEAGUE, going down 31-25 to Skipton.

In the home match at Peel Park, Bradford had a reasonable 18-10 win, with Malcolm Iles (Asa Briggs) 21-6 and Paul Hillam (Eccleshill) both on top form, but it was the away match at Skipton Craven that was disappointing for Bradford as they lost 21-7.

Bradford will need to turns things around if they are to win the league, and their match against Huddersfield looks certain to be a championship decider.

Scores from Peel Park: Graham Oliver (Clayton) 21-11, Rod Bastow (Eccleshill) 21-17, Mick Bastow (Eccleshill) 16-21, Nino Esposito (Ladyhill) 21-19, Malcolm Iles (Asa Briggs) 21-6, Steve Alred (Crowghyll) 13-21, Paul Hillam (Eccleshill) 21-9, Ian Matthews (Eccleshill) 12-21. Bradford 146 (18), Skipton 125 (10).

Scores from Skipton Craven: Tony Riley (Clayton) 15-21, David Hodgson (Crowghyll) 4-21, Hedley Kettlewell (Clayton) 19-21, Gerald Bromley (Peel) 13-21, Tony Walton (Crowghyll) 16-21, Ian Johnson (Clayton) 15-21, Dennis Thorpe (Ladyhill) 21-13, Tommy Harney (Clayton) 21-19. Bradford 124 (7), Skipton 158 (21).

The HOWARTH CUP and SUPPLEMENTARY CUP both require one qualifying round match, which takes place a week tomorrow (Friday, July 17.

In the Howarth Cup, Clayton B take on Birkenshaw at Myrtle Park, while Salts play Eccleshill at Shelf in the Supplementary Cup.

The quarter-finals are on Friday, August 7, with the finals day on Sunday, August 16.

Howarth Cup draw – Friday, July 17: Clayton B (30) v Birkenshaw (50) at Shelf. Friday, August 7: Clayton B or Birkenshaw v Asa Briggs B (40) at Wyke, Shipley Club (0) v Hove Edge (30) at West Bradford, Brackenhill (60) v Bradford Moor (60) at Farsley, Clayton A (0) v Asa Briggs A (10) at Shipley Club.

Supplementary Cup draw – Friday, July 17: Salts (60) v Eccleshill (0) at Myrtle Park. Friday, August 7: Salts or Eccleshill v Wyke (30) at Greengates, Tyersal (50) v Horton (70) at Cullingworth, West Bradford (40) v Wibsey B (50) at Littlemoor, Wibsey A (30) v Harold Park (40) at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe.

The first round of the PAIRS KNOCKOUT, sponsored by Leeming & Peel Ltd, takes place on Friday, July 31.

Full draw and venues to be published in next week’s Telegraph & Argus.