MIKE Carratu was unbeaten on 114 and followed up with a return of 4-16 from five overs as Hardwicke kept the heat on leaders Cricklade with a convincing win at home to Hatherley & Reddings 3rds in Division Seven of the Greene King IPA Gloucestershire County League.

In one of the few games to reach a conclusion as rain ravaged the area, Hardwicke piled up 272-1 from their 45 overs, Ben Hopkins (116) and fellow opener Carratu dominating the show.

Rain meant the visitors were then set a reduced target of 152 from 25 but finished well short at 79-8 as Carratu made an impact with the ball.

There was one other result in this division, John Brown contributing 62 for Down Hatherley who nipped in by two wickets at home to Bourton Vale 2nds.

In Division Three, Sam Nicholls finished with 5-33 from eight and Jack Groves 4-41 from nine to help leaders Chipping Campden restrict Frocester 3rds to 132 all out.

Chippy then had to chase a rain-reduced target and got there with Rob Sipthorp (39) top scoring.

Aston Ingham, though, are only two points behind after overcoming Frampton-on-Severn by seven wickets.

Frampton were bowled out for 123, Charlie Neale taking 4-23, 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 ahead of Rockhampton 2nds completing a routine five-wicket win.

There was one result in Division Four, Cheltenham Civil Service 2nds overcoming their Gloucester City Winget counterparts by five wickets thanks to runs from opener Henry Buckland (43) and Brad Attwood (36).

But there were no finishes in the top two divisions as well as divisions five and six.