‘Cooperman’ leads Bradford to emphatic win

Superb century break of 101 from Cooper.

Superb century break of 101 from Wayne Cooper.

DEFENDING champions Bradford No 1 extended their lead at the top of the Yorkshire Inter-District Snooker League to six points after a resounding 6-0 victory against Leeds at Undercliffe Cricket Club.

Wayne Cooper was outstanding in the Division One contest, a century break of 101 opening up proceedings as he beat Mark Ball 101-6 before following up with a 71-19 success.

After a tactical early exchange, Kevin Firth made a 69 break to beat Ian O’Brien 69-52 and then made a 55 to seal frame four 77-18.

Mark Slater was up against Tony Massey and started well with a break of 35, eventually taking the frame 61-26, and finished the night by winning 67-29.

Bradford No 2 drew 3-3 with Sheffield No 1, Anthony Green enjoying a break of 48 for a 67-12 win only for opponent Tom Priest to hit back with a 49 to level the match after a 64-51 success.

Gareth Green was in good form. A 42 clearance in his first frame snatched victory 74-51 against Martin Finnigan and he then cleared the colours in the second to win on the black 60-50.

But captain Hanif Rafiq could do little against David Birley, the Sheffield man winning 65-35 and 68-7 while knocking in breaks of 62 and 48.

The two Bradford teams square off against each other at Cue Gardens this coming Sunday this is a confirmed 7.30pm start.

Yorkshire League Div1 Latest Table

In billiards, Bradford’s unbeaten Yorkshire Inter-District League season came to a halt at the halfway point with a 5-2 defeat to Harrogate.

After winning 5-2 at Doncaster just before Christmas, Bradford were second in the table and looking to keep the pressure on leaders Leeds.

Stephen Kershaw found former multi-Yorkshire champion Stephen Crosland in good form, breaks of 61 and 31 against Kershaw’s 32 giving the Harrogate player a 200-130 win.

Steve Wilman made early breaks of 31 and 49 and ran out a 200-143 winner against Tim Godolphin. But Tom Halliday wrapped up the points for Harrogate with a 200-140 victory against Trevor Kershaw.

The Bradford Billiards Championship takes place on Saturday, February 7 at Cue Gardens.

Entries will be accepted up to 11.45am on the day, with play starting at 12.15pm. The fee will be £12. For enquiries contact Stephen Kershaw on 07815-014198.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bsa-cuesports.com/billiards/cooperman-leads-bradford-to-emphatic-win/