A HAT-TRICK from Pete Stephenson earned The Stiffs a rare cup success with a 3-2 triumph over Rowde Sports in the preliminary round of the Spring Cup.

Stephenson's treble, which allowed the Trowbridge side to add to their A and B Cup giant-killing act against Steeple Ashton in September 2002, was almost eroded as a Barry Newley own goal and a late Anthony Jenkins effort reduced a three-goal lead.

There was almost a bigger surprise at Whaddon Lane before in-form Lavington gained a 7-3 extra-time win over Hilperton United Reserves, who took the lead three times, through John Thompson, Matt Gurke and Paul Cantello, only for Robin Gorham, goalkeeper Phil Simmons (penalty) and Scott Clark to level each time.

In the first period of extra-time Jamie Bayes put Lavington ahead for the first time before Gorham completed his hat-trick either side of a 24th strike of the season from Miles Hickton.

Last season's semi-finalists Semington Magpies owed their first round ticket to Dan Rimmer's excellent second half chip from a difficult angle to beat Apetito 1-0.

Second half goals kept Trowbridge Wanderers' interest in three cup competitions alive, with Robert Allison and Ross Pugh on target at FC Chippenham.

The weather claimed six matches, bringing the number of postponements through waterlogged pitches to 27. With some 20 other games being called off for other reasons the number of midweek matches later in the season increases.

One match that hopefully will survive tomorrow is the outstanding Knockout Cup second round tie between top flight giants North Bradley Saints and Rudloe, who figured in a thrilling goal-less league clash in October.

Three second half goals from Scott Askew, Richard Bliha and Chris Fardell set up the titanic battle with a 3-1 success over Freshford United, who Saints had also beaten in the A and B Cup a week before Christmas. Saints, last season's beaten finalists lost goalkeeper Gary Brooks with a shoulder injury after 20 minutes, with Leigh Trainer deputising. Neil Birleson reduced Freshford's two-goal deficit at one stage.

Rudloe took a two-point lead at the top by adding to Heytesbury's bottom of the table plight with a 6-2 victory.

A hat-trick from Craig Gingell, two from Liam Ralph and a single by Jason Walsh hit the troubled villagers who replied through Richard Wyatt and Gary Dolby.

Rudloe's second string are two points away from heading Division Three after a 9-1 thrashing of another basement side Castle Combe A. Rudloe, with a game in hand, possess a superior goal difference of four over leaders St Andrews.

A late equaliser from Mike Payne took The Deverills a point clear at the head of Division Two in a 2-2 draw with fourth place Seend United Reserves, who scored twice in a minute through Wayne Bailey after Scott Gallazi's early second half header had broken the deadlock.

Bratton and Hilperton United both missed their chances before finishing all square as well at 1-1. Dave Jones gave the hosts the lead from the edge of the penalty area just after the break but Tarick Yachou levelled for Hilperton 15 minutes from time.

Steeple Ashton are still searching for their first win, Iljaz Iljazi giving Ashton the lead at Castle Combe Reserves who hit back for a 2-1 bottom of the table victory.