Arron Heywood’s hat-trick helped PREMIER DIVISION title-chasers Albion Sports to a 7-0 win over Lower Hopton as the West Riding County Amateur League again battled to defeat the elements.

Another eight games fell victim to the rain, while a number of clubs sought alternative venues in an attempt to avoid adding to the fixture pile-up.

One such game saw Lower Hopton agree to host second-placed Albion at neutral Rawdon Meadows and the first half was an even contest, with only Heywood’s opener separating the sides.

But Albion stepped up a gear after the interval as Heywood completed his treble backed up by further goals from Jamie Lee Bairstow (2), Jordan Missin and Alex Cusack, lifting their side to within five points of leaders Bay Athletic.

Campion and Tyersal had to settle for a point each from their meetings with Huddersfield sides Storthes Hall and Golcar United respectively.

Hosts Campion took the lead after 20 minutes through Damien Melvin but Alex Slack equalised for Storthes Hall on the hour mark.

It also finished 1-1 between Tyersal, who led at half-time through Andrew Bailey, and Golcar, with David Brennan equalising for the hosts.

With leaders Emley Reserves winning 7-1 against Wakefield City on Friday night, Salts knew that only victory at Tyersal Reserves the following day would keep them second in DIVISION ONE.

They looked in trouble at 1-0 down going into the second half following Ryan Cook’s goal but Salts turned the tables to win 5-1 through Kyle Berry, Lee Grice, Josh Brooksbank, Alex McLean and Joe Pleasance.

Third-placed Ventus/Yeadon Celtic were beaten 2-1 at Halifax Irish but Westbrook YMCA missed the opportunity to move above them as they lost by the same score at Eastmoor.

Bronte Wanderers hit back from a 2-0 interval deficit at home to Bay Athletic Reserves to take all three points as Dave Armstrong (2) and Richard Holden earned a 3-2 victory.

Long Lee booked a semi-final berth in the DIVISION TWO CUP as they came out on top of a ten-goal tie against Golcar United Reserves. Jonathan Ellis and Andy King both netted twice, backed up by Pat King and Liam Walsh, in the 6-4 outcome.

Tingley Athletic Reserves surrendered home advantage due to a waterlogged pitch to ensure their DIVISION TWO game against Crag Road United was played but missed out 4-3. Marc Cowell’s hat-trick for Tingley was wiped out by a treble from Damian Rushworth, with Danny Firth’s additional goal settling matters.

Rawdon Old Boys failed to take advantage of leaders Storthes Hall Reserves’ home game with Steeton Reserves being a casualty of the weather as they lost 1-0 at Ovenden West Riding Reserves.

This enabled West Horton to climb above Rawdon into second spot as they blew away bottom side Morley Town 5-0, while Campion Reserves picked up a valuable point with a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield YMCA.

There were goals galore in DIVISION THREE as three games notched up a total of 29, led by leaders Albion Sports Reserves as seven different players scored in their 9-4 home victory over Long Lee Reserves.

Salts Reserves are second after Dave Johnson and Michael Lickley both scored hat-tricks in the second half to sink Bronte Wanderers Reserves 8-2.

Two goals each from Paul Powe and Ateek Hussain earned Lower Hopton Reserves a 4-2 win at Ventus/Yeadon Celtic Reserves, who had Sean Jackson netting at the double.

* The West Riding County Amateur League will travel to play their FA NLS INTER-LEAGUE CUP preliminary-round tie against the Birmingham & District AFA League on Saturday, March 26.