TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: A HAT-TRICK from Pete Stephenson earned The Stiffs a 3-2 triumph over Rowde Sports in the preliminary round of the Spring Cup.

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.

Trowbridge Wanderers won 2-0 at FC Chippenham.

The weather claimed six matches but one match that hopefully will survive this weekend is the outstanding Knockout Cup second round tie between North Bradley Saints and Rudloe. 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.