BRADFORD Golf Union captain Martin Gaffney is looking forward to the Yorkshire Inter-District Union Golf League season, which begins on Sunday, and he has highlighted the importance of the side's blend of youth and experience.

Teenager Max Berrisford will be missing for Bradford's opener against Teesside as he is sitting his A-Levels but Woodhall Hills youngster Ben Rhodes is in their 12-man travelling squad for the clash.

Gaffney is excited to see what both can produce on the course, enthusing: "I would say that Max and Ben are the two players that I would really hope to see push on this season."

A player with plenty of professional tournaments under his belt is Shipley Golf Club's Daniel Thomas and Gaffney feels that his expertise could proved vital for Bradford.

He said: "He's returned from professional ranks and he's hoping to play for our Union team this year. He's had a good start playing in the Yorkshire Order of Merits, coming tied second at the York Rose Bowl."

Thomas is also unavailable for Sunday's clash at Seaton Carew Golf Club but Gaffney is confident, despite the loss of key personnel.

He said: "It's a challenging course but if the weather stays benign, it shouldn't play too difficult. We've still got a strong team out so we're hopeful we can get a result.

"Overall, as ever, Sheffield are probably the team to beat and that's our second match. If we can get a win under our belts at Teesside, it gives us confidence going into that home game at Hawksworth."

Gaffney made a light-hearted dig at Union's new club president, Graeme Anderson, joking: "He wouldn't profess to be the best golfer out there but he enjoys coming along to games and spectating. He's always happy to carry the water at least!"

BRADFORD TEAM v TEESSIDE UGC at Seaton Carew Golf Club:

Dane Bairstow (West Bradford)

Terry Brushwood (Bingley St Ives)

Andy Busfield (South Bradford)

Mark Cook (Northcliffe)

James Darcy (Northcliffe)

Martin Gaffney (South Bradford)

Rob Hillas (Bingley St Ives)

Rob Malloy (Northcliffe)

James Meredith (Bingley St Ives)

Darren Rands (Bingley St Ives)

Ben Rhodes (Woodhall Hills)

James Tate (Bradford)