AFTER a recent encouraging result against Bradford in the Yorkshire ABA Veterans Inter-District League, Skipton fell apart against an improving West Riding, who won overall by 36-20.

In the home leg at Craven, the locals shared the winners in a narrow victory, with victories by Cliff Taylor, Len Buxton, Derek Seed and Arnie Ripley, but three of the defeated players should have won their games as well.

This proved costly as the away side only managed one winner at Thornhill C&BC in the shape of League president Alister Keighley.

Their next match against Huddersfield on July 1 also promises little joy for the locals.

Reigning Yorkshire Parks champion Andrew Tate, of Sutton, continued his good form when he reached the final of the Ben Ramsden Merit at the Shipley Club.

However, he lost heavily to the in-form Stuart King of Asa Briggs, who had won the Shipley Classic at the same venue a couple of days earlier. Tate had no answer, going down 21-1 and admitting the point he scored was a fluke!

He recovered to reach the last four of the Skipton Summer Doubles at a venue to be decided on July 3, partnering Jocky Wilson. Also through are Barry Turnbull and Billy Cater, Bob Jeffries and Paul Kaye and Richard and Trevor Hargreaves.

Tate also helped Yorkshire to a comfortable success over Birkenhead in a recent County Parks match and was assisted in the away leg by Peter Clarke and Robbie Ellis.

At senior level, victories by Barry Turnbull, David Hemsley and Mick Skwarek also ensured a win over North Staffordshire in the on-going series.

Tonight sees the quarter-finals in the Skipton Team KO events for the Clarkson and Supplementary Cups. Some top games are in the offing in both events.

The draws are – Clarkson Cup: Silsden Playing Fields A v Sutton B, Gargrave A v Silsden, Sutton A v Broughton B, Keighley A v Devon A. Supplementary Cup: Lund Park A v Cross Hills B, Gargrave C v Sutton C, Cononley A v Broughton A, Cross Hills A v Whinfield A. Semi-finals are on July 7.

The Worth Valley Veterans Handicap Doubles are scheduled for Broughton Road tomorrow but still needs entries, while on Saturday, the three remaining local sides compete in the Yorkshire County Cups.

Cross Roads meet Kirkheaton Cons at Whitkirk in the Yorkshire Cup while, in the Hutchinson Cup, Oxenhope face holders Glasshoughton Welfare at Cleckheaton Sports. Cross Hills make the long trip to Meltham in the Radley Cup to meet Birkenshaw Park. They are not without a chance, though it could be tough for the others.

Skipton/Worth Valley Juniors meet Huddersfield D away on Saturday night in the Yorkshire League but the Worth Valley Trebles at Keighley are in doubt on Sunday.