SWINDON AND DISTRICT LEAGUE: SCORES of cup finals took place at the weekend, but few could match the George Thomas showpiece for entertainment value.

A Tony Sardo hat-trick inspired The Regent to a 4-3 extra-time success but they were pushed all the way by the resilient Queenstown Reserves.

A close encounter did not look likely after 15 minutes of dominance from The Regent.

Sardo grabbed his first goal within five minutes, clipping a fine finish over keeper Ian Starkey.

But Queenstown weathered the early storm and duly levelled with their first attack of note on 17 minutes when Chris Woods connected with a left-wing corner to prod a shot past Gareth Martin.

The lead lasted 12 minutes, as Dave Wolszczynski diverted a set-piece in with his knee.

Regent continued to make all the running, but Queenstown were causing problems on the break and they were level again before the interval when Mark Donachie swung a boot at a right-wing cross.

The striker did not connect cleanly but the ball spun beyond the grasp of Martin to make it 2-2.

Sardo was on target again 10 minutes after the restart, gliding through the Queenstown defence and netting with another delicate finish.

Queensdown were awarded an stoppage-time free-kick some 25 yards from goal.

Justin Wollen stepped up and sent a left-foot strike curling into the top corner of Martin's net.

Sardo snatched glory deep into extra time. The striker raced clear again only to be impeded by Starkey. Referee Eddie Paper awarded the spot-kick and Sardo calmly stroked in the winner.