TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: PAUL Bendell delivered the first hat-trick of the new Premier Global Ltd sponsored Trowbridge League season which produced an unbeaten start for newly promoted sides and all five new teams.

The Broughton Gifford marksman scored twice in a sensational four-goal start in the opening ten minutes against relegation reprieved Dursley Arms. Shaun Daniels replied to another home goal by Chris Stiles.

After the break Stiles, the league's top scorer last season, Bendell, Neil Willcox and Simon Lunt scored to take Gifford to a 7-1 victory.

That emphatic start immediately gave the former champions an advantage over arch rivals Castle Combe, who ended Gifford's five year title reign in the final match last season.

In the day's big shock, the new champions were held 0-0 on their own ground by Seend United who conceded a 4-0 league double to Combe last term. To add to Combe's worries Daniel Gernonn received his marching orders.

In Division Two, Hilperton United, beaten twice by Rowde Sports last season, hit back three times before surviving a late missed penalty to pick up a point in a 3-3 draw.

Stuart Beaven (penalty), Lee Sanders and James Webb restored Rowde's lead after Steve Iven, Ross Pike and Jamie Allford had eradicated the advantage each time. United were further thwarted by outstanding goalkeeping.

In the first of three successive meetings, Rudloe and Broughton Gifford Reserves fought out a 2-2 draw, which included two penalties and a last minute dismissal for Gifford's Brian Hook. Jason Dick's penalty put Rudloe ahead before Luke Dennis was also spot on for Gifford. Richard Moules gave the visitors the lead only for Jason Cole to level matters again.

In Division Three, Seend United Reserves and Hilperton United Reserves, scorers of 15 goals in two meetings last term, drew 3-3. Seend's Julian Putt, Rob O'Harrow and Fosu Gharban replying to goals from Neil Lacey (2) and Chris Benton.

Biggest draw of the day was produced by two of the newcomers; Trowbridge United and Frome Town Sports A. United fought back from arrears to lead 3-1 before the advantage was wiped out. United went ahead twice only for Frome to reply on both occasions in a 5-5 stalemate.

Brothers Lee and Dean Murden hit doubles for United who also benefited from an own goal.

The other three new teams made a winning start. North Bradley Saints came marching in from the Bath and District League with an impressive four-goal first half performance that led to a 5-1 victory over Apetito, who owed much to goalkeeper Liam Newble's outstanding display.

Andy Brown's 50 yard second half free kick sent The Stiffs on their way to a 2-1 success over Bromham Reserves.Pete Stephenson added a superb second before a goalkeeping clanger enabled Duncan Biggin to narrow the scoreline.

Warminster Town Reserves won 3-1 by taking charge of their debut against Castle Combe Reserves. First half goals came from Wayne Melvin and Jamie McGuckian. Anthony Hall made it 3-0 before Shaun House clinched Combe a consolation.