Odsal Sedbergh’s match against visiting West Bowling Academy was abandoned early by the referee, frustrating the hosts as they saw no reason to stop.

But that complaint soon took a back seat when they returned to the changing rooms at Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre.

The club claimed: “Saturday’s match against West Bowling should have been remembered as a fiercely contested local derby.

A recent game involving Odsal Sedbergh (black and yellow) and Wibsey Warriors. (Image: Martin Taylor)

“Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by the actions of one individual.

“Prior to kick off, an individual entered the home changing room and stole from the players’ kit bags.

“It’s a deeply disappointing incident and we are working with Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre, and West Yorkshire Police with regard to the matter.

“It is our understanding that the event and the individual have been captured on the centre’s CCTV, and the footage has been submitted to the police.

“If anybody can offer any further information, witness statements etc. – please feel free to contact the club or the leisure centre.”

Shaquille Jones (centre) is one of the current Odsal Sedbergh players. (Image: Andy Garbutt)

When contacted directly by the T&A, an Odsal Sedbergh club spokesperson alleged: “As you can imagine in these communities, people know people.

“So, some of the lads appear to believe they know who it is.

“The very bizarre saving grace is that he actually dumped a lot of the stuff on the bushes at the side, I can only assume to return for later on.

“He didn’t take any phones or car keys and dumped some wallets.

“In the end he only physical took away the two wallets that had cash in.”

The T&A approached the police for comment, but they would only confirm that a theft had been reported.

Bradford Council, who run the Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre, were questioned about the alleged theft by the T&A too.

We put to them that this allegation might be a wider concern to the public, given the large number of people who use the facility each day.

A Council spokesperson responded: “We want everyone who uses our sports centres to be able to do so safely and securely, so we take any allegations like this very seriously.

“We are supporting the police with their ongoing investigation, and if anyone has any information about the incident, we would urge them to contact the police by calling 101.”