CHARLIE Bailey grabbed a hat-trick en route to fine figures of 5-35 from eight but still finished on the losing side as Hatherley & Reddings 2nds eased to a 72-run victory at Fairford in Division Three of the AMS Gloucestershire County League.
Bailey’s efforts helped restrict the visitors to a total of 203 which was dominated by opener Noah Bennett’s 134 from 106 (20 fours, one six) with the next highest scorer 16.
Fairford then came up short as Nirvaan Jain and Aditya Rathore both claimed three wickets.
Leaders Dumbleton 2nds eased past Gloucester AIW by 28 runs, Charlie Garratt compiling 106 at the top of the order.
And at the other end of the table there was a first win for Cricklade who trumped Chipping Sodbury 2nds by four wickets, Chris Nicholas unbeaten on 70.
Division One leaders Aston Ingham were 38-run victors at Great Rissington, Anthony James top scoring on 62 while skipper Andy Weeks reached 108 as second placed Thornbury 2nds trumped Cirencester by 75 runs.
Tom Wand (74) and Chris Job (63) led the way as Division Two pacesetters Tetbury saw off nearest rivals Cheltenham 2nds by two wickets to open up a 22-point lead at the top.
Opener Dan Spence took centre stage with 106 off 104 (14 fours, two sixes) for Churchdown who coasted to a seven-wicket triumph against Corse & Staunton 2nds in Division Four.
Kingsholm 2nds, the leaders of Division Five, dispatched their Lydney counterparts by 130 runs, Caleb White (85) and opener John Veits (75) playing key roles.
And there was a first win in Division Six for Apperley 2nds who overcame fellow strugglers Tormarton by four wickets.
Steve Rice produced one of the spells of the day to finish with 5-13 from eight for Cam 2nds who remain top of Division Seven following a nine-wicket defeat of Oakridge.
And Eastcombe chased down a target of 247 at home to Painswick 2nds with 14 balls to spare, skipper James Maxwell unbeaten on 127 (11 fours, ten sixes).
Openers Ali Smith (93) and Steve Jones (63) gave Haresfield Gladiators a strong start away to Tetbury 2nds who rallied to complete a four-wicket victory, David Sharpe top scoring on 81.