CONDITIONS were far from ideal as the Bradford Sunday Alliance League returned to a full programme of league fixtures – without interference from the weather or cup competitions – for the first time since October 26.

But the muddy pitches didn't hinder Premier Division leadersStanningley Albion, who were 3-0 winners over George Hotel at Bankfoot, with Ritchie Banks scoring all three.

His first came from a deflected free-kick in the first half, and he completed his treble with two late goals against opponents who fought until the final whistle.

Another hat-trick hero in the top flight was West Bowling's Damian Melvyn – he had a fourth disallowed for offside – in a 3-1 victory over Sandy Lane at Marley Stadium, taking his tally for the season to 24.

The visitors were finally able to give Glyn Hirst his debut. Signed from Wyke Wanderers at the start of the season, his initial appearance has been delayed by injury and then cup eligibility.

Another Bowling debutant was keeper Shaun Fagan, who almost kept a clean sheet.

Thornton United are Stanningley's chief danger, seven points behind but with three games in hand.

The First Division is even tighter at the top, with long-time former leaders Oakenshaw dropping two points at Cuedos Rangers.

This allowed Manningham, who have had some notable recent victories, to move into pole position after beating front-runners Swaine Green 4-2 on a boggy surface. Simon McQuiston and captain Sam Bradley got the consolation goals.

White Eagles moved into second courtesy of a 3-1 home victory over Wyke Rangers as they returned to winning ways after league and cup defeats.

Eagles, who had a couple of new faces, took the lead in the first half through a close-range Danny Brown header, Wyke doing well to equalise before half-time with a near-post finish.

Rangers were unable to stem the tide in the second half, however, as Danny Facey and Marcus Edwards netted, although Wyke did have a penalty well saved by Andy Smith.

Oakenshaw are still title favourites on 29 points with two games in hand, while leaders Manningham have 31.

There will be a lot riding on the match next week at Haworth Road when Manningham entertain Oakenshaw.

Relegation-threatened Cuedos Rangers, who took a point off Oakenshaw at the weekend, will have a bearing on where the trophy finishes because they have to play all the title challengers in the next few weeks.

Division 1B leaders Olympic and Aire Athletic shared four goals and the points in their top-of-the-table match.

Marksmen for Olympic were Michael Rayner and Kieran Batey, Chris Hawker (2) replying for Aire – including a penalty. This result shoved Aire down to fourth in what is another very competitive division.

In Division 2A, Gallopers moved into second with a 6-1 victory over Turf, whose only goal was scored by Craig Gartland.

Basement club Eccleshill Punjab were beaten 21-2 by Mill Lane 2004, who moved into third. Main men for Lane were Steve Hollingsworth (7), Mark Consterdine (4) and Danny Harrison (3).