THERE were the usual upsets in the Clarkson Cup as one or two big guns fell by the wayside. Keighley A led the way by beating league leaders Cross Hills A at Lund Park Top with a good performance, while favourites to win the Division One title, Cononley A, drew with near rivals Sutton A and had seven winners out of ten but lost on the toss of a coin before the match.

Holders Settle A were an early casualty against Division Three Broughton B while Broughton A went out to Cononley B of Division Two.

There were also surprise wins for Cross Hills C and Steeton B. Big wins were recorded by Silsden PF A and B, plus Silsden and Steeton A. The next games are on June 2, with first-round losers going into the Supplementary Cup.

The Worth Valley Veterans made a stuttering start in the Federation’s Over-60s League at Elland Cricket Club. They shared the winners with Leeds A but lost 6-4 overall on aggregate, with John Parkin and Mick Duke producing the best wins.

As the weather deteriorated, so did the team’s efforts as they were well beaten by holders and favourites Halifax A in the second match, recording only two winners in Derek Seed, who won both matches, and Dave Rankin. Next games are on May 27.

Results in the preliminary rounds of the Yorkshire ABA’s mixed team event for the Eric Hutchinson Trophy saw a defeat for Settle at Guiseley against Denby Grange but Oxenhope progressed at the expense of Pontefract on a tricky Littlemoor green. Next games are on June 4.

Locals David Scott and Andrew Tate, who play for Clayton, reached the final of the Bradford Pairs only to lose 21-18 to Trevor Benn and Neil Tordoff of Wyke at Cleckheaton Sports.

Skipton Veterans will be hoping for a better effort in their second inter-district game of the series when they meet Castleford tomorrow at 1.30pm. The away side travel to Methley, while the home team play at Sutton and should be too strong for a team who are not as good as they once were.

Skipton/Worth Valley Juniors are back in action on Saturday night at Bradford B.

The Worth Valley’s Ogden Handicap is scheduled for Sunday at Keighley BC, with all further information from Mick Demain.