SIMON Hygate marked his debut for Gloucestershire O50s’ 2nd string with an unbeaten century in a six-wicket home victory against Devon on an eventful day at Great Rissington.
Huge swarms of bees descended on the ground, twice forcing play to be paused.
Hygate, of Golden Hill, (pictured below) finished the game on 102 not out (93 balls,11 fours) and, along with opener Dave Millard who thumped 81, dominated the home side’s reply as the win was completed with three overs to spare.
Earlier, Paul Fredericks (5-39 from nine) shone as Dorset totalled 269-8 from their 45, Paul Baker taking 1-38, also from nine.
It was a good day, too, for the O50s’ first XI who nipped in by two wickets with just an over in hand away to Shropshire who reached 244-5 after winning the toss.
The visitors made steady progress throughout their innings with Riyan Jamieson’s late unbeaten 40 capping important contributions from Ian Robson (39) plus openers James Gammon and Richard Trotman (both 35).
Gloucestershire O60s were 67-run victors at Frocester against Devon.
Captain Nick Marment (71 off 38), Ed Gordon Lennox (67) and opener Keith Daniels (59) helped the home side pile up 291-7 ahead of Tim Cull (3-51), Ken Earl (2-28) and John Courtney (2-41) making their mark with the ball.
The 60s’ second XI succumbed by 52 runs at home to Wales despite Paul Silvester’s haul of 3-25 and 54 from Bill Lawrence.
And the third string came up 72 runs short away to Wales, Mark Moodie (34) top scoring.
Gloucestershire O70s, meanwhile, slipped up by 25 runs away to local rivals Somerset at Uphill Castle.
The home side reached 228-4 before Gloucestershire were pegged back despite the efforts of opener John Evans (35) and captain Roger Beese (33).
THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES
TUESDAY
Gloucestershire O50s 3rds v Oxfordshire, at Kingsholm
Oxfordshire O60s 2nds v Gloucestershire, at Shipton-under-Wychwood
Gloucestershire O60s 3rds v Oxfordshire, at Stowell Park
WEDNESDAY
Gloucestershire O50s v Warwickshire, at Rockhampton
Dorset O50s 2nds v Gloucestershire
THURSDAY
Wiltshire O70s v Gloucestershire, at Spye Park