A mix of county and domestic games saw the Bradford Sunday Alliance League make a reasonable start to the new year as some clubs returned to action for the first time since the end of October.

There were still casualties due to the weather but away from the postponements a number of matches produced terrific contests.

One of these saw Premier Division outfit Ventus Sports just get the better of Division One opponents Cuedos Rangers 2-0 in a WEST RIDING COUNTY SUNDAY CUP all-Alliance tie.

Man of the match Ben Needham volleyed Ventus in front and was then brought down in the area, with Ian Hardcastle hitting home the resulting penalty, but Cuedos went close on several occasions.

Holders West Bowling had to be on top form to book their quarter-final berth as they fell two goals behind in the opening five minutes before finally easing clear of Fforde Green to win 6-3.

Goals by Stuart McCallum and Nicky Boshell wiped out the Leeds side’s early advantage and Chris Wood then edged Bowling in front for the first time, with Boshell’s second making it 4-2 at the interval.

The visitors then moved well clear as Wood added his second goal and Boshell completed his hat-trick, before Fforde Green claimed a late consolation.

Whitburn Athletic edged a thriller 3-2 at home to Heavy Woollen opponents Gomersal in the WEST RIDING COUNTY SUNDAY TROPHY.

The Division 3A leaders twice fell behind but pulled through thanks to goals by Morgan Archer (2) and Shoib Iqbal.

Another Alliance team to beat Heavy Woollen opposition was Nab Wood Juniors as they edged out visiting Dewsbury Rangers 2-1.

Victoria Celtic had the better of a goal feast against Leeds visitors St Nicholas, winning 11-4 as Davis Geddes hit five goals and Michael Kelsey four.

Steel Bangle were a minute away from victory when opponents St John Fisher equalised and eventually lost 7-5 after extra time, having hired another pitch to get the game played when their own was deemed unplayable.

No Premier Division fixtures beat the weather so the day’s top league game saw Wyke Wanderers climb to second in DIVISION ONE after a 2-1 win at Ventus United.

Dean Peltier and Reece Harbon gave Wanderers a two-goal interval lead, before David Backhouse reduced the deficit with a penalty.

Shipley Hockney won by the same score against Thornbury Celtic to stay top of DIVISION 1A, with Dean Gascoigne and Adam Tomlinson on target.

Second-placed Buttershaw Celtic remain three points behind after Lee Bialeck scored the decisive goal in a 3-2 win at Stocks Lane Rangers.

Thornton United kept in title contention with a 4-2 victory at Bradford Phoenix, while Victoria Rangers won 6-0 at Dog & Gun as Christian Hotte’s brace supported Nicky Walker’s four goals.

DIVISION 1B leaders Sandy Lane moved eight points clear at the top with a 3-1 home win over Thornbury Quarry Gap, Danny Hook scoring twice.

Wrose Bull hit five without reply at George as Ben Needham bagged a hat-trick and Sam Prest a double.

Stanningley Albion had seven different scores in their 7-0 win at Wrose Albion to move to the DIVISION 2A summit.

Bradford Titans edged out Oddfellows Athletic 2-1 to climb above their opponents into second spot in DIVISION 3A.

Cuedos Rangers Reserves whacked hosts Cricketers Arms 10-1, while Dudley Hill Keys and bottom side Jubo Dhol shared six goals and the points.