Bradford golf captain Neil Harker-Bell has had something of a selection headache this week.

His side are due to take on York on May 18 in the Yorkshire Inter-Union League - the first match of the season. And five of his front-line players are missing.

"The English strokeplay is the same weekend so the big five are not available," said a rueful Harker-Bell.

"It was a case of going to squad members who know they might not be selected for the following match when the first-teamers return.

"It's good that this match is at Fulford because everybody wants to play there. I'm available for selection," quipped the

skipper."

The absentees are like a who's who of Bradford golf! Darryl Berry, Simon Bell, Richard Wheatley, Lee Shepherd and Andy Town will not play at Fulford.

"Bradford has a great team spirit and a strong squad that plays for one another, so seriously I am not too concerned," said Harker-Bell.

"The problem is that my computer crashed with all the telephone numbers on it and I've been having problems getting hold of players."

Bradford won the Yorkshire Inter-League last season for the first time since 1996. They did so by beating Sheffield at Northcliffe in a dramatic encounter.

Postman Martin Bell, father of Simon, held his nerve on the final green of the final match on his home course to win the day for Bradford.

New Bradford Union president Richard Dracup, a member at Fulneck and Hawksworth, believes the team can emulate last season's success.

"Last year they played superbly as a team. If they play the same way, they will have a great chance.

"People do not usually associate golf with being a team sport but in this type of competition - including foursomes - pulling together as a team matters a lot.

"Winning in amateur sport is not everything - but it goes a long way," added Dracup, with tongue firmly in cheek.

The team to play York is: Gareth Evans (Northcliffe), Rob Hillas (Northcliffe), Neil Harker-Bell (Bradford Moor), Ian Martin (Hollins Hall), Howard Tyrer (Keighley), Andy Uttley (Keighley), Karl Curran (South Bradford), Matt Roche (Baildon), Dan Teece (Baildon), Jamie Mountain (Bingley St Ives), Jason Hall (Northcliffe), Paul Pethybridge (Skipton).