Golf: Richard Oddy produced a superb back nine at Baildon to prevent Tom Gooding from retaining the Bradford boys championship on his home course.

The Cleckheaton 16-year-old completed the back nine in 37 to edge out Gooding, who shot 38 for the same holes, with Northcliffe's Warren Kemp third on the same 18-hole total of 76.

It was an excellent day for the Oddy family, with Richard's 11-year-old brother Edward finishing runner-up in Division Three after returning a nett 71 off 23 handicap. The Dufton Trophy, for the best nett score, was won by Calverley's 24-handicap Oliver Nettleton, who shot 63.

Bradford start their Yorkshire Inter Union campaign with one of the toughest fixtures of the year - away to Leeds on Sunday.

And they have to go into the match without some of their best players who are involved in the Brabazon Trophy at Moortown this week.

That has ruled out West Bradford pair Paul Thomas and Darryl Berry, along with Northcliffe's Martin Bell, now back in the swing after missing most of last year with a back injury.

Calverley's Darren Rands, who made his debut last year for the Bradford team against champions Sheffield but was then unavailable for further fixtures, gets another chance in the clash at Pontefract.

West Bradford's Mark Evans, one of only two ever-presents in the team last year, continues his run while Gareth Evans, now with Cleckheaton, bids to continue the fine form shown in his four wins from five singles matches last time.

Team captain Tim Wade admitted: "Leeds away is never an easy fixture. They will be a big threat in the competition this year.

"But the teams are getting closer and closer in terms of ability. Really there is Sheffield who stand out and then about five Unions who are all very closely matched."

The Clubman's Championship for 6-11 handicap players, due to be played at The Manor on Sunday, May 30, has been scrapped after failing to reach the minimum number of entries.

By the time the entry was closed earlier this week, there were 50 entries, well short of the 80 required. "On behalf of The Manor we would like to thank all those clubs who offered course courtesies, but these will not now be needed," said competition secretary Alan Barraclough. "Entry fees will be returned via the clubs."

Entries are still urgently required for the Sue Ryder Salver on June 24 and the 36-hole amateur matchplay on June 27.

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