THERE was controversy in the Bradford Golf Open in which Paul Pethybridge shone for Skipton.

Pethybridge was the joint first round leader on 69 at Cleckheaton but could not follow up as he shot 83 in the afternoon.

But the day will be remembered not so much for the victory of Keighley professional Mick Bradley but the pin positions which led to eight players refusing to start the second round in protest and three more storming off the second green.

Flags were right at the front or on severe slopes, which led to one player seven putting a green.

Bradford Union captain Andy Riley, of Ghyll, was one of the many nil returns but he did appear in the afternoon, shooting 80.

Andrew Harling of Ghyll and Jeremy Harding of Skipton both returned 159 while former Skipton member Paul Humpherson, now assistant at Bingley St Ives, returned 153.

In the scratch league Ghyll are in prime position to win the Division Two title after their 8-0 thumping of South Bradford.

It will be a nervous wait for Skipton, who complete their fixtures at home tonight (Friday) against lowly Ben Rhydding. They are seven points ahead of The Manor, who have a game in hand and thus a potential eight extra points to win. It could all end on Friday if Skipton obtain more points than their rivals.

In their latest match Skipton drew 4-4 at West Bowling, where Adrian Robertson was a 3 and 2 winner and Richard Addyman, bored with last green dramas, got it over with early with a 6 and 4 win. Jeremy Harding went down on the last and Jonathan Cooper lost 4 and 3.

Skipton's 8-15 team showed nerves of steel and secured their place in Division Two for another season. In a tight finish they were third from bottom, a mere one and two points ahead of the two teams below them. Facing top of the table Clayton at home, they came through in style with comfortable wins for David Rasche, David Arthur, Craig Howie and captain Colin Chapman.

Best performance of all came from the rabbits team, who have won the Division One title, holding off the challenge of Silsden by winning their final match, against Bingley St Ives, 4-2.

David James and Nick Malir both halved as Alan Robinson was out on the course winning 7 and 6 to secure the necessary points.