West Yorkshire derbies

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Map of West Yorkshire showing the proximity of football clubs (top) and rugby league clubs (bottom), August 2010.

The West Yorkshire derbies are a series of football matches or rugby league matches taking place between football or rugby league clubs from West Yorkshire.

This section needs expansion with: events prior to 2007. You can help by adding to it. (April 2021)

Leeds United's relegation to League One in 2007 may have reignited this rivalry, although Bradford's relegation to League Two removed the possibility that the three major West Yorkshire football teams (Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds) might be in the same division for the first time since the 1980s in the 2007–08 season; ultimately only Huddersfield and Leeds met each other in the third tier. In the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons all three teams involved in the West Yorkshire Derby were in different leagues, Bradford City were in League Two, Huddersfield Town were in League One and Leeds United played in the Championship. At the end of the 2011–12 season, Huddersfield were promoted from League One to the Championship, rekindling the rivalry with Leeds. In 2016–17 Huddersfield were promoted to the Premier League, making the rivalry go into hiatus again. Huddersfield were relegated at the end of the 2018–19 season and Leeds completed the double over their local rivals in the 2019–20 EFL Championship season on their way to winning promotion back to the Premier League after a 16 year absence. In the 2023–24 EFL Championship, the rivalry made a return, with Leeds winning 4–1 at Elland Road in October 2023 before a 1–1 draw at the John Smith's Stadium in March 2024.

Bradford City – Leeds United

Location	West Yorkshire
Teams	Bradford City Leeds United Leeds City (until dissolution)
First meeting	Leeds United 1–0 Bradford City (23 September 1922) 1922–23 Second Division
Latest meeting	Bradford City 2–1 Leeds United (27 August 2014) 2014–15 League Cup
Stadiums	Valley Parade Elland Road
Statistics
Meetings total	31 (6 v Leeds City)
Most wins	Leeds United (14)
Largest victory	Bradford City 5–0 Leeds City (September 1905) 1905–06 Second Division Leeds United 6–1 Bradford City (13 May 2001) 2000–01 Premier League

Bradford City has a long-standing rivalry with Leeds United in the modern era.

This rivalry is mainly due to the two cities' proximity to one another, which has exacerbated in later years because there has been some football fans within Bradford choosing to travel the short distance to support Leeds rather than the home town's City. Although Leeds fans are unlikely to raise the same level of emotion talking about Bradford that a City fan would in talking about Leeds. There may be other reasons, including the setting alight of a chip van by Leeds fans during a game between the two sides at Odsal perceived by some as a mockery of the Bradford City stadium fire.

The last meeting between these two sides was at Valley Parade on 27 August 2014 in the Football League Cup, Leeds took a 1–0 lead in the 82nd minute, but Bradford won the game with goals from Billy Knott and James Hanson.

Before formation of Leeds United, Bradford City had with rivalry Leeds City, until its dissolution in 1919. Both the clubs met 6 times in Football League Second Division, where Bradford City won 4 times and 2 matches ended in a draw.

Current as of 27 August 2014. Statistics obtained from Soccerbase.^[1]

Bradford City and Huddersfield Town have had roughly the same league status for the last couple of decades and so it could be argued that they are closest rivals out of the three West Yorkshire teams.

Matches against these sides have produced both amazing spectacles and some terrible moments—the 1996–97 season providing examples of both. On 1 February 1997, Huddersfield Town defender Kevin Gray broke the leg of Bradford City striker Gordon Watson in two places with a horrific sliding tackle. Watson was, at that time, the most expensive player in Bradford City's history having cost them £575,000, and was playing in only his third match for the club. He required a six-inch plate and seven screws in his leg. It took Gordon almost two years of recovery and five further operations before he was able to return to football, after which he made just a handful of appearances for City before leaving the club. At Leeds High Court in October 1998 he succeeded in becoming only the second player in the history of football to prove negligence by another player and was later awarded in excess of £900,000 in damages,^[2][3] making it "the most expensive tackle in British football and legal history".

The return fixture that season was a happier affair. It provided a spectacular display of goals in which City took a 3–0 lead, including one famous goal scored directly from a corner by ex-England star Chris Waddle, before the game swung in Huddersfield's favour as they fought back to the final score of 3–3.

The most recent derby with Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium ended in a 2–1 victory for the home team in the first round of the Capital One Cup on 6 August 2013.^[4]

Current as of 21 March 2021. Statistics obtained from Soccerbase.^[5]

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Leeds United's best period of success was in the 1960s, and 1970s under the management of the legendary Don Revie. Between 1963 and 1975, Leeds became feared and respected across the country and in Europe. Revie guided them to two league championships, a FA Cup, one League Cup, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups and a Charity Shield. Despite the success, Leeds had some notable disappointments, they were runners-up five times in the league, FA Cup finalists three times and UEFA Cup Winners Cup and European Cup finalists once. In 1992, Howard Wilkinson guided Leeds to their third top flight title, just two years after getting them promoted from the old Second Division, where they had played for eight years. Leeds also had sustained success in the Premier League, between 1997 and 2002 the club never finished outside of the top five and reached the UEFA Cup and Champions League semi-finals. However Leeds' success during this latter period came at a huge cost with tens of millions of pounds spent gambling on sustained Champions League involvement. When Leeds could only finish 5th in the 2001–02 season the clubs debt were around £80 million and a number of highly paid stars had to be sold to reduce the debt. By the end of the 2003–04 Premier League season, Leeds were relegated after 14 years in the top flight and three years later were relegated to League One and spent three years in the third tier before returning to the Championship at the end of the 2009–10 season. Leeds returned to the top flight in the 2020–21 season for the first time since 2004.

Huddersfield Town were the first team in English football to win the First Division title three times in a row back in the 1920s – a feat only matched by Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal – they also claimed the FA Cup, Charity Shield and finished as runners-up in the league three times in this period. Huddersfield spent 45 years outside of the top flight between 1972 and 2017. The Terriers had numerous promotions and relegations between the second, third and fourth tiers of English football. However, under their new manager David Wagner, Huddersfield won promotion to the Premier League for the first time by defeating Reading in the 2017 Championship play-off final.

Current as of 2 March 2024. Statistics obtained from Soccerbase.^[6]

Bradford City historically have a fierce rivalry with other Bradfordian team Bradford (Park Avenue) A.F.C., which can also be considered a "West Yorkshire derby", however this is rivalry is commonly known as the "Bradford derby". Park Avenue were formerly an English Football League team until 1970.

FC Halifax Town, another West Yorkshire football team playing in the National League, consider Huddersfield Town to be one of their main rivals. They have played against each other when their predecessor, Halifax Town A.F.C., was in the Football League.

Farsley Celtic has a 'one-way' rivalry with Leeds United. They are based in the Leeds Metropolitan district however they have never reached the Football League.

In the Northern Premier League, matches between Liversedge and Ossett United are regularly played on a Friday night, and attract crowds of more than 1000, which is very high for this level of football.

Rugby league is also big in West Yorkshire. The teams who are, or have been, in the Super League are; Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Halifax, Huddersfield Giants, Leeds Rhinos, and Wakefield Trinity. Other rugby league clubs in West Yorkshire are Batley Bulldogs, Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Hunslet and Keighley Cougars. Like football, the most commonly termed West Yorkshire derby is between Leeds and Bradford,^[7] however any combination of West Yorkshire teams playing against each other could be called a West Yorkshire derby, even if the rivalry is not as great as other rivalries between teams in the area. Specific named derbies include the Calder Derby better Castleford and Wakefield, and the Heavy Woollen Derby between Batley and Dewsbury. In addition, the Leeds versus Wakefield rivalry also sees them compete in the Festive Challenge. Castleford verses Leeds has also become a more prominent derby in recent times.^[8][9]

Bradford Bulls – Leeds Rhinos

Location	West Yorkshire, England
Teams	Bradford Bulls Leeds Rhinos
First meeting	27 October 1906 (Bradford Bulls 21–5 Leeds Rhinos)
Latest meeting	28 January 2024 (Bradford Bulls 34–8 Leeds Rhinos)
Stadiums	Headingley Odsal Stadium
Statistics
Meetings total	142
Most wins	Bradford Bulls (68)

The rivalry between the Leeds Rhinos and the Bradford Bulls is one of the great rivalries in English Rugby League and is the most common fixture termed the West Yorkshire Derby. The cities are next to one another and the teams have met in countless cup finals. During the early years of the Super League the rivalry peaked, with both Leeds and Bradford being dominant forces in Rugby League, challenging for numerous titles whilst meeting in Grand Finals and Challenge Cups. Bradford fell into financial trouble in 2011 and 2012, had not won or appeared in a final since 2005 and had to sell players to keep the club alive. The rivalry remains passionate despite Bradford's decline and Leeds continuing to win many more titles. Bradford were relegated in 2014, the first time in 40 years, ending competitive league fixtures between the sides. The most recent competitive meeting between the two sides was a Challenge Cup sixth round tie in May 2019, which Bradford won 24–22 to progress to the quarter finals.

Statistics correct as of 28 January 2024^[10]

In all competitions, competitive and uncompetitive:

• 1946–47 Challenge Cup Final: Bradford 8–4 Leeds
• 2000 Challenge Cup Final: Bradford 24–18 Leeds

• 2003 Challenge Cup Final: Bradford 22–20 Leeds
• 2004 Super League Grand Final: Leeds 26–8 Bradford
• 2005 Super League Grand Final: Bradford 15–6 Leeds

Leeds Rhinos – Wakefield Trinity

The 2008 Festive Challenge
Location	West Yorkshire, England
Teams	Leeds Rhinos Wakefield Trinity
First meeting	21 February 1903 (Leeds Rhinos 13–0 Wakefield Trinity)
Latest meeting	27 March 2021 (Leeds Rhinos 28–22 Wakefield Trinity)
Stadiums	Headingley Belle Vue
Statistics
Meetings total	123
Most wins	Leeds Rhinos (84)

Statistics correct as of 19 May 2021^[11]

In all competitions, competitive and uncompetitive:

• 1932–33 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 8–0 Wakefield
• 1934–35 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 5–5 Wakefield
  • Replay 1: Leeds 2–2 Wakefield
  • Replay 2: Leeds 13–0 Wakefield
• 1947–48 Yorkshire Cup Final: Wakefield 7–7 Leeds
  • Replay 1: Wakefield 8–7 Leeds
• 1958–59 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 24–20 Wakefield
• 1961–62 Yorkshire Cup Final: Wakefield 19–9 Leeds
• 1964–65 Yorkshire Cup Final: Wakefield 18–2 Leeds
• 1967–68 Challenge Cup Final: Leeds 11–10 Wakefield
• 1973–74 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 7–2 Wakefield

As of the end of the 2021 season

Castleford Tigers – Wakefield Trinity
The Calder Derby

Location	West Yorkshire, England
Teams	Castleford Tigers Wakefield Trinity
First meeting	3 October 1934 (Wakefield Trinity 10–0 Castleford Tigers)
Latest meeting	18 August 2023 (Wakefield Trinity 12–28 Castleford Tigers)
Stadiums	Wheldon Road Belle Vue
Statistics
Meetings total	103
Most wins	Wakefield Trinity (66)

The Calder Derby is contested between Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity, with both Wakefield and Castleford being part of the City of Wakefield metropolitan borough, which the River Calder flows through.

Historically Wakefield have been the more successful side, winning two league titles and five Challenge Cups. However, Castleford have been the more successful side in recent years winning five out the six games played in the 2014 and 2015 season by large margins. In terms of silverware, Castleford have also been the most successful in modern times winning three Challenge Cups since 1969 and appearing in five finals. Wakefield have only appeared in one final during this period. In 2006, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford met on the final day of the Super League season with the losing team facing relegation to National League One. Wakefield would go on to win the match 29–17 which relegated Castleford.^[12]

Statistics correct as of 18 August 2023^[13]

In all competitions, competitive and uncompetitive:

• 1990–91 Yorkshire Cup Final: Castleford 11–8 Wakefield

Castleford Tigers – Leeds Rhinos

Castleford Tigers face Leeds Rhinos at the 2014 Challenge Cup Final
Location	West Yorkshire, England
Teams	Castleford Tigers Leeds Rhinos
First meeting	26 October 1932 (Leeds Rhinos 9–2 Castleford Tigers)
Latest meeting	3 June 2023 (Castleford Tigers 26–24 Leeds Rhinos)
Stadiums	Headingley Wheldon Road
Statistics
Meetings total	148
Most wins	Leeds Rhinos (85)

Statistics correct as of 3 June 2023^[14]

In all competitions, competitive and uncompetitive:

• 1968–69 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 22–11 Castleford
• 1988–89 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 32–12 Castleford
• 2014 Challenge Cup Final: Leeds 23–10 Castleford
• 2017 Super League Grand Final: Leeds 24–6 Castleford

Huddersfield Giants – Leeds Rhinos

Location	West Yorkshire, England
Teams	Huddersfield Giants Leeds Rhinos
First meeting	29 March 1902 (Huddersfield Giants 11–0 Leeds Rhinos)
Latest meeting	19 August 2021 (Leeds Rhinos 18–12 Huddersfield Giants)
Stadiums	Kirklees Stadium Headingley
Statistics
Meetings total	90
Most wins	Leeds Rhinos (50)

Statistics correct as of 5 November 2021^[15]

In all competitions, competitive and uncompetitive:

• 1914–15 NRFU Grand Final: Huddersfield 35–2 Leeds
• 1919–20 Yorkshire Cup Final: Huddersfield 25–5 Leeds
• 1928–29 NRFL Grand Final: Huddersfield 2–0 Leeds
• 1929–30 NRFL Grand Final: Huddersfield 10–2 Leeds
• 1930–31 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 10–2 Huddersfield
• 1937–38 Yorkshire Cup Final: Leeds 14–8 Huddersfield

In addition to the major rivalries listed above:^[16]

Since their relegation in 2014, the Bradford Bulls main local rivals in the RL Championship are the Halifax Panthers, their stadiums located within six miles of each other.

Leeds Rhinos share a fairly one-way rivalry with League 1 and fellow Leeds based side Hunslet. The lack of competitive fixtures sees Rhinos supporters view other West Yorkshire teams as greater rivals.

Similarly, Castleford and Wakefield both share a rivalry with Featherstone Rovers, but seen as Rovers have played most of their recent years in the Championship competitive fixtures are few and far between.

The Heavy Woollen Derby is contested by Championship sides Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams. This derby generally receives less attention that other West Yorkshire derbies due to it not taking place in the top tier of British rugby league.

Due to their proximity to East Lancashire, roses rivalries see Halifax Panthers and Huddersfield Giants also view Oldham Roughyeds and Rochdale Hornets as rivals. This has a higher presence in rugby than football partly due to historic roses competition and the limited popularity of rugby league outside of the two historic counties.

• List of sports rivalries in the United Kingdom
• List of association football rivalries in the United Kingdom
• Derbies in the Rugby Football League
• Bradford derby