Shaw Shines But Title Hopes Disappear at Woodsome

Any hopes of a Yorkshire IDU League title charge by the HHDUGC Junior side all but disappeared at Woodsome Hall on a sunny Bank Holiday Sunday.

Whilst with only three games played it is still mathematically possible to top the league history shows that a team losing two matches in a season very rarely goes on to be crowned champions.

Taking on a side who have high expectations this season at both senior and junior level the Halifax, Huddersfield side were unable to take advantage of a home venue and stamp their authority on the game. Playing against a Bradford team with superior handicaps Adam Cryer and Joe Hill (pictured) were the only players to register a home victory in the morning foursomes and whilst Saddleworth pair Stephen Pullen & Ben Simpson recorded a point in their halved game the writing was on the wall from an early stage with the score 9-3 at lunch in favour of the away side.

Needing an explosive start to the singles to get back into the game the top four games were all lost effectively handing victory to Bradford who maintain their 100% record in the league.

Despite the loss Junior Team Selector, Frank Greaves, will be pleased with the way in which his middle order and the tail responded with fine victories by Tom Goodair, Tom Calvert, Lewis Howell and debutant Ethan Shaw who put in a spirited performance to win his match 2&1. The Marsden youngster has shown some excellent form over the past couple of years, reducing his handicap to five, and will now be hoping to secure a regular place in the team.

The full score sheet can be seen here whilst the order of merit remains much unchanged with Simpson leading the way on 18 points.