Bradford's billiards team opened their season with a marvellous 7-0 victory over holders Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Inter-District League.

Halfway through the first match at Lilycroft WMC, it looked an uphill struggle, however, as Paul Devitt trailed Paul Anderton 101-27, the Wharfedale player having made a 41 break.

A break of 30, though, put Devitt 151-127 ahead and he won 200-176.

Mark Hirst's 69 break put him 110-46 to the good against Stephen Crosland. A 35 break put the Wharfedale player back in it, but Hirst crossed the line at 200-125 with an unfinished effort of 44.

Richard Lodge's early break of 81 put him in charge against Jack Parker, and he completed the rout 200-57.

Wayne Cooper, filled with confidence after his fine debut for England in the Home Internationals, gave Bradford a 2-0 lead in the snooker clash.

A break of 73 gave him the first 100-21 against Lilycroft member Richard Brook, and he had a 32 break in the second for a 58-14 success.

Kevin Firth made a winning start on his debut, clearing the colours to take it 58-57, and he led 48-24 in the second.

Andy Blamires hit back, however, with a break of 41 to take it 65-48.

Howard Mawson lost his opening frame 68-33 to Martin Parker, but comfortably won the last 65-17 to give Bradford a 4-2 victory.

Bradford's next match - at both billiards and snooker - is away to Leeds No 2 a week on Saturday. The probable venue is Pudsey Conservative Club.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.