Bradford’s No 1 snooker side came away from defending champions Leeds with a superb 5-1 victory, extending their lead at the top of Division One in the Yorkshire Inter-District League.

The match was not a classic by any means but the result was far more crucial than the performance, considering not many sides take Leeds on at the Northern Snooker Centre and win.

Wayne Cooper won the opening frame 69-34 against Tony Massey before edging the second 51-38.

Lee Atkinson sneaked a black-ball game 68-58 to deny Chris Ibbitson the opportunity to pull a frame back and gave Bradford a 4-0 lead by winning the fourth 65-16.

John Gillen pulled a frame back for third-placed Leeds, beating Kevin Firth 63-11, but the latter put in a gritty final-frame performance, making a 32 break on the way to a 68-18 victory.

Bradford No 1 are now three points clear of Castleford No 1, with both teams having a game in hand on most of those below.

Bradford’s outstanding fixture, postponed due to the snow before Christmas, is this Sunday when they travel to Sheffield No 1.

In Division Two, Bradford No 2 had a surprising home defeat against Sheffield No 3.

The visitors enjoyed a crushing 6-0 victory, with home players Hanif Rafiq, Boover Singh and Anthony Green suffering a lack of form.

This defeat has set the side back in their quest for immediate promotion back to the top division but, with plenty of games remaining, there is still a good chance of claiming second spot, with leaders Castleford No 2 way ahead of the rest.

The previous week, the team travelled to Selby No 1 and drew 3-3. Anthony Green drew both frames but elder brother Gareth put the visitors 3-1 in front, claiming both frames comfortably.

Unfortunately, captain Hanif Rafiq was on the wrong end of a 73 break in losing both frames, ensuring a draw.

In the Bradford Snooker Championship, last season’s runner-up Dave Stirk of Undercliffe Cricket Club enjoyed a resounding 4-0 victory over Chalks Snooker Centre’s Harris Ali, capped by a top break of 63.

Players are reminded to get their results to tournament director Richard Hagerty (07740-145777) as soon as possible.

The opening round of the E Rosse Hopkinson Plate competition has now been drawn, and involves only two matches.

This competition is for teams that have lost their first match played in the Hey's Trophy, with Salthorn WMC taking on Low Moor Club, while Tong Liberals A face Manningham Ward.

These ties are to be played on January 20 and 27, with the first-round proper on February 17 and 24.

The latter dates are also when the Hey's Trophy will resume, thereby avoiding any clashes with local league knockout tournaments over the course of the next month.

For any queries, please contact Eddie Ratcliffe on 07790-379832.