Right on Cue

Bradford’s representative sides went head to head in both the billiards and snooker divisions of the YORKSHIRE INTER-DISTRICT LEAGUE.

The No 2 team continued an impressive billiards season, defeating their No 1 stablemates 5-2 at West Bradford Bowling Club.

This was despite losing the opening match when No 1 captain Stephen Kershaw beat Paul Devitt 200-144, which included a break of 44.

But Richard Bowes was in good form, making runs of 69 and 65 to defeat Chris Jarvis 200-107, while No 2 captain Richard Lodge also impressed in overcoming Nigel Stebbings 200-71, which included breaks of 89 and 69.

The win keeps Bradford No 2 in contention for top spot as they battle with Leeds for the title.

In Division One of the snooker competition, Bradford No 1 finally gained their first victory of the season at the expense of their No 2 colleagues.

The No 1 side had previously drawn four and lost two fixtures but the victory at Manningham Ward will give them confidence.

The first match finished even as Yorkshire under-19 champion Damian Wilks won the first frame against Dave Stirk 62-28, before the Undercliffe Cricket Club player’s 58 break levelled matters with a 79-49 win.

Kevin Firth gave the No 1 team a 3-1 advantage as he won both frames against Boover Singh 59-51 and 55-13.

Wayne Cooper made a long-awaited return to action and was understandably a little rusty before lifting Bradford No 1 to a 4-1 lead by winning 58-42 against No 2 captain Hanif Rafiq.

A scrappy final frame then went the way of Manningham-based Rafiq 65-45.

Meanwhile, Firth (Undercliffe CC) and Wilks (Manningham Ward) played their BRADFORD CHAMPIONSHIPS match early as both are heavily involved in national and county tournaments over the coming month.

It was Wilks who emerged victorious 4-1, although the contest was much closer than the final score suggests.

Both players made consistent breaks over 30 but Wilks was able to close out frames at crucial times.

Firth can take some consolation as he made the competition’s highest break of 83 while winning his only frame.

The deadline for all singles and pairs matches is February 21 and results should be telephoned through to Richard Hagerty on 07740-145777.