Carratu and Hopkins keep the pressure on league leaders

MIKE Carratu hit an unbeaten 114 and claimed four for 16 as Hardwicke kept the heat on leaders Cricklade with a convincing win at home to Hatherley & Reddings in Division Seven of the Greene King IPA Gloucestershire County League.

In one of the few games to reach a conclusion, Hardwicke piled up 272 for one as Ben Hopkins (116) and fellow opener Carratu dominated.

Rain reduced the target to 152 from 25 overs but Hathlerley’s third string finished well short at 79 for eight.

There was one other result in the division, John Brown contributing 62 for Down Hatherley who got home by two wickets at home to Bourton Vale II.

In Division Three, Sam Nicholls took five for 33 and Jack Groves four for 41 to help leaders Chipping Campden dismiss Frocester III to 132.

They reached a rain-reduced target with Rob Sipthorp (39) top scoring.

Aston Ingham are only two points behind after overcoming Framptonon-severn by seven wickets.

Frampton were bowled out for 123, Charlie Neale taking four for 23 before opener Josh Loade (38) and James Hamilton (31) led the charge to victory.

Dave Mccabe (5-27) and Will Cartlidge (4-16) combined to bowl out bottom side Slaughters United for 77 as Rockhampton II completing a routine five-wicket win.

There was one result in Division Four, Cheltenham Civil Service II overcoming their Gloucester City Winget counterparts by five wickets thanks to runs from opener Henry Buckland (43) and Brad Attwood (36).

There were no finishes in the top two divisions nor divisions five and six as the rain had an impact.