SAM Cato was Herriard Sports hat-trick hero as they booked their place in a second cup final this season, writes Peter Raynbird.

Cato's triple helped Herriard to a 4-1 victory in the North Hants Junior Cup semi-final over visiting TDI Group, who in fact took the lead from Dan Hancock as he was played in by James Brown. Herriard replied as a pin point pass from Chris Smith was headed home by Cato.

After 50 minutes, Herriard nosed in front when Cato met a corner by Matt Goodman on the volley.

It was not until the 80th when Herriard added a third on 80 minutes as Cato completed a hat-trick after being put through by Adam Nelson.

The game was sewed up with six minutes left as Smith put away a cross Goodman.

Herriard will now play Winklebury Wizards in the final at the Whitchurch on Wednesday Match 16 (7.30 pm).

Tron still have their sights on four trophies this season and they made it into the semi-finals of the Peter Raynbird Cup after a 5-0 win over Basingstoke Athletic.

Athletic were missing six regulars and after they called in several of the reserve team to make up their numbers. They did okay in the first half with the strong wind in their favour.

Dave Trevelion, with a 40-yard effort forced a fine save from Shane Moody in the Tron goal and Paul Taylor hit a great chance over the bar.

Tron took the lead after 47 minutes from Richard Kalwarczyk and then a freak wind assisted effort from Gordon Birch, saw his shot from the edge of his own penalty area ended up in the net off a defender.

On the hour, it became 3-0 as Joe Harris put Zac Reynolds through and then Jamie Ballantyne volleyed in the fourth and Kalwarczyk was credited with the fifth.