BRADFORD Golf Union's captain Chris Foster was delighted with his side's stunning 27-9 win over fierce rivals Leeds at Baildon Golf Club in the last match of the 2019 Yorkshire Inter-District Union Championship.

Sunday's victory saw them leapfrog Leeds into second place in the final standings, but despite their best efforts, they couldn't overhaul Halifax-Huddersfield, who secured only their second-ever title by beating rock-bottom York 23-13 in their final match.

Foster, who lauded his side's team's spirit, felt that Sunday's victory was symptomatic of Bradford's season as a whole.

He said: "The boys have gone out and done a real job on Sunday, they certainly didn't disappoint.

"It's been like that for most of the season though. We've had a few new faces this season but they've all performed fantastically and really gelled with the rest of the team.

Tom Vertigans from Cleckheaton has really done well and so have Jacob Purcell (Bingley St Ives), Dale Brook and Chris Musgrave (both West Bradford).

"I don't really want to keep naming names because they've all excelled to be honest.

"The way we dismantled Leeds on Sunday was fantastic. I've played for Bradford Union since 2015 and the determination, passion and team spirit I've seen this season is something new to me.

"The players are not only a credit to themselves, but to their clubs and the union."

A player who also made his debut for Bradford Union in 2015 was Ben Rhodes. Sunday's match was the Woodhall Hills' youngster last for the side, as he turns his attention to professional golf from next season.

Foster was full of praise for him, saying: "He deserves the chance to go professional and make something of his career.

"We will miss him because of his great attitude and demeanour, as well as the fact that he's a bubbly character.

"He's very talented and with a little work he can achieve great things. We all wish him well in the future.

"It's nice on a personal level because Ben and I made our debuts together in 2015 and then played together on Sunday, so his first and last matches were both with me."

Speaking about how the title ended up just out of reach, Foster said: "Going on league positions, we expected it (Halifax to beat York), but we knew if we could at least get 24 points, then we could win the title if Halifax's game ended in a draw.

"It wasn't to be but I've told the boys that we've set the bar high now. We move on and hopefully we'll go one better next year."