INCLEMENT weather forced numerous postponements in the Bradford Sunday Alliance League for the first time this season – but could not stop West Bowling moving nine points clear at the top of the Premier Division.

Bowling's 3-0 victory over fellow West Riding County FA Cup semi-finalists Sandy Lane was one of 13 of the 30 scheduled fixtures to survive the conditions.

The Emsley's recreation ground pitch was sticky but Bowling gradually got on top and finally broke Sandy Lane's stubborn defence on 35 minutes when a flick from Chris Wood found Josh Milner, who made no mistake with his shot.

Milner was denied a second goal by a fine save at the start of the second half but the lead was doubled after 67 minutes as Glyn Hirst played the ball down the left to Nathan Woodward, whose cross into the box was hammered home by Wood.

The icing on the cake came when a good passing move resulted in man of the match Milner notching his second goal and Bowling's third as they retained their 100 per cent league record with five games remaining.

Oakenshaw remain West Bowling's closest challengers but they slipped up 5-2 against third-placed Thornton United, despite a debut goal from Dan O'Donnell as James Gorman was also on target.

Thornton are now just two points behind Oakenshaw and level with Thornbury Celtic, who are up to fourth after demolishing second-bottom Bolton Woods 13-3. Hassan Ali bagged five goals and Abdul Hakim added a hat-trick.

An early weather casualty in Division One was the top-of-the-table clash at Arkwright Street between leaders Lyceum and local rivals Swaine Green, with Olympic climbing to second after an 8-0 victory over mid-table Grass Greener United.

Prospect are in the mix after a 4-1 verdict at rock-bottom Aire Athletic, with Kingsley Rowe hitting a double for the visitors.

Martin Lee bagged a hat-trick for Beldon Oddies in a convincing 5-2 victory over Bolton Woods Socials.

The only game to be played in Division 1A finished 2-2 between leaders Woodman Wanderers and Wrose Bull. Daniel Softly and Ben Wray netted for Wanderers, with Les Cookson and Jonathan Hird replying.

The top three in Division 2A all played and leaders Eastward came away from Eccleshill Athletic with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals by Haider Balal, Brian Carr, Liam Carr and John Selby, with Jacob Collins bagging the consolation.

Tyersal remain second after beating second-bottom Turf 5-0 courtesy of a Josh Finan hat-trick, while Leevan Moses struck twice as third-placed Mill Lane beat Salthorn Victoria 6-0.

Division 2B leaders Parry Lane got their game on against promotion rivals Wibsey but were whacked 9-1 as the gap at the top was trimmed to two points. Adam Sharkey (4) and Jonny Brennan (2) led the assault.

Lloyd Webster grabbed a double for East Bierley Village as they won 5-0 at basement side Victoria Lions.