HUDDERSFIELD Veterans have a 15-point advantage at the top of the table as they go into a Yorkshire Inter-district title showdown with Bradford.

While Huddersfield scored a 36-20 win over Castleford in their Lockwood Windows sponsored match, rivals Bradford suffered a surprise 33-23 defeat by Leeds.

It means Huddersfield have another title within their grasp when they face Bradford on Friday, July 27, in the final League match.

Against Castleford, the away team lost 20-8, but it was a very creditable effort on a very tricky Pontefract Bowling Club green.

The home team, at Meltham No2, were in unstoppable form, however, and registered a 28-0 success, before thanking Meltham for use of the facilities and for providing refreshments.

Away – Dave Burnand 17-21, Mick McCluskey 18-21, Donald Crowther 17-21, Barry Gibson 3-21, Dennis Garner 21-18, Roger Stopford 18-21, Viv Smith 21-11, Frank Griffin 14-21.

Home – Frank Greenwood 21-17, Brendan O’Prey 21-3, Trevor Sykes 21-5, Graham Howe 21-13, Dennis Hirst 21-13, Stuart Manson 21-16, John Hoyle 21-12, Terry Randerson 21-9.

The Hickson trophy remaining semi-final and the final will be played on Monday August 20. Huddersfield play Spen Valley in the semis and the winners will play Halifax. The event had to be suspended part way through on the due date, with Huddersfield as hosts, because of bad weather.

Third round matches in the Veterans Team Knockout and Sub Team Knockout will be played on Thursday, July 26.

Team Knockout – Waterloo A v Skelmanthorpe A at Farnley Tyas, Almondbury BC A v Milnsbridge A at Springwood, Almondbury Lib v Meltham A at New Mill, Golcar Lib A v Netherton A at Lindley Lib.

Sub Team Knockout – Holmfirth v Primrose Hill at Lockwood Con, Skelmanthorpe B v Brockholes B at Holmfirth, Cowcliffe v Kirkheaton CBC A at Dalton, Dalton v Meltham B at Lowerhouses.

The Julie Fuller 6-man Team Knockout semi-finals will be played a week tomorrow, Friday July 27.

Meltham host the semi-final between Shepley and Greenhead Park.

And Netherton will be the stage for the other semi-final between Newsome and Lockwood Con.