THE decision by Carmel United officials to hire an artificial pitch at West Town Lane paid rich dividends as the Premier Division championship-chasing outsiders recorded a resounding 17-2 victory over Wanderers Reserves, who remain anchored at the bottom of the table.

Wanderers took an early lead through Brendan Bassett, then made the score 2-2 with an equaliser from Robbie Whittingham in the opening 25 minutes, before being sunk by an avalanche of goals which lifted Carmel to fifth place.

Karl Lewis sparked off the scoring spree with five goals and the rout was completed by Raphael Burke (3), Rupert Mall (3), his cousin Jay Mall, Victor Gonzales and Craig Johnson.

"This was our first game since December 10 and we took time to warm up," said Carmel's secretary, Darrell Irwin.

Bailey Sports took a three-point lead over AFC Hartcliffe, whose visit to De Veys Reserves was called off, at the top of the table by hammering Golden Hill A 11-1.

Anthony Curry was on the mark for the visitors in reply to strikes by Shane Hill (3), Matt Troy (3), Chris Davidge (2) and Ben Prosser (2).

The remaining games were all postponed because of ice-bound pitches.

There were no games played in the Bristol Premier Combination and the Downs League.