IT IS unlikely to happen often but the big two teams in the Naylor Premier section – Pudsey A and Crossgates – both tasted an opening-day defeat in the Bradford Saturday League.
Pudsey went down to a 19-11 loss at Brighouse Sports, chiefly thanks to a great 21-6 win by Nigel Bloomer for the hosts, while Eccleshill A saw off Crossgates 18-12, despite a superb 21-8 from Steve Mason for last year's champions.
Whitkirk started the season with an impressive 23-7 home win over Ladyhill A, carding a eight home winners, with Kristian Walder 21-8, Phil Vayro 21-8 and Phil Hill 21-9 being the pick of them. Mick Hall was just as handy for the visitors with a stunning 21-2 effort.
Dave Bland's 21-4 helped Shipley Club A to a 22-8 home win over promoted Littlemoor A, while Joanne Speight's 21-9 success helped Cranmore to a 16-14 victory over Clayton A, winning the aggregate by a single point.
Pudsey B were the only team in the Godwin division to post a home win after a 20-10 verdict against Brighouse Sports B, helped by Debbie Davis' 21-6 winning card.
Mick Angus' 21-4 was the pick of seven away winners for Eccleshill B in their 21-9 victory at Greengates A, despite a 21-8 success for Peter Wilson.
Asa Briggs A and Wyke A, who both had disappointing 2014 campaigns in the top flight, started with impressive away wins.
Mark Senior's 21-9 helped Asa to a 17-13 edge against Rufford A, which is never an easy place to go, while Wyke A came away with a 19-11 win over Guiseley A thanks to John Armitage's 21-4, the best of seven winners.
Elland got the better of Littlemoor B as they left with an 18-12 away victory.
Hightown made it two wins out of two with a 26-4 demolition of Wibsey A in the Observer competition courtesy of an impressive nine home winners, with Karen Whitefoot's 21-7 the best of them.
The result would have been worse for Wibsey had David Lupton not rolled back the years with a 21-9 success.
Cononley have made the perfect start, with John Parkin's 21-7 helping them to a 24-6 win over Hove Edge A.
Peel A, who have been in turmoil, produced a 20-10 success at Clayton B as Mary Hemsley's 21-8 helped them on their way. Nino Esposito showed resistance with a 21-7 for Clayton.
Ladyhill B defeated Drighlington A 19-11 thanks to storming victories from Pat Lonsdale 21-1, Darren Owthwaite 21-5 and Peter Finnie 21-7. Josh Gamble helped keep the score respectable with a 21-8 in reply.
Wyke B edged home 17-13 against Horsforth Woodside A thanks to 21-6 successes from David Greenwood and Michael Walton, despite a 21-7 response by Graham Chaffer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here