England Youth golfing international Simon Bell missed the Brabazon Trophy cut and was a last-minute welcome addition to Northcliffe's side in the Bradford Scratch League at Bingley St Ives.

Northcliffe won the match 6-2 with Bell winning his game with relative ease.

But tomorrow evening could provide THE match of the season so far with Northcliffe taking on champions and current leaders West Bradford at home.

Not that the match needs any added spice, but former Northcliffe players Terry Brushwood and Mark Evans are likely to be in West Bradford's line-up.

"It's a crunch match," admitted Northcliffe captain Paul Metcalfe. "It was good to have Simon Bell back last week and he will be playing again tomorrow."

Northcliffe's Robert Hillas is impressed by the high standard of play throughout the Bradford Scratch League.

"You know you are going to have good games every week. It's a very high standard," said the teenager who produced a shock by winning the Bradford Strokeplay Championship at Shipley last year.

"Baildon are back in the First Division and obviously West Bradford and Bradford Moor will always give you hard games.

"When players are available, this is one of the strongest leagues."

Certainly with the likes of West Bradford's Darryl Berry, Cleckheaton's Lee Shepherd and Northcliffe's Simon Bell all involved with the England set-up, it's a rosy scene locally.

Also playing in the Scratch League tomorrow evening are Bradford Moor, who take on Bingley, and Keighley who entertain Cleckheaton, a side boosted by their 6-2 win over Baildon last week.