BEN Gardner bagged a hat-trick for Longparish, but it was all in vain as the side lost at lowly Rowledge, writes CHRIS DE CANI.

The home side won the toss and opted to bat.

With regular opening bowlers absent Gardner stepped up to take the new ball and in his second over celebrated a triple success.

With Rowledge II at 8-3 Longparish were firmly on top but unfortunately Chris Clarke and Toby Trinder were removed from the attack through injury.

Against a makeshift attack Rowledge II rallied and were dismissed for 229 in the penultimate over with Ben Davidson top scoring with 67 and Tom Trinder taking 4-42.

Once again, the Longparish openers got off to a flyer with Dan Bearpark and Michael Taplin putting on 57 in seven overs before Bearpark was bowled by Simon Bonser.

With all hope of promotion gone the Longparish reply harboured a Lackadaisical air, Michael Tapin top scored with 62 and Martyn Cook added 42 in an innings that terminated 62 runs short with 20 overs remaining.

For the second week in succession Longparish II were involved in an exciting finish, this time a two wicket defeat at home to Alton II.

George Halfhide top scored with 38 and Alex Brinton took 3-20.

Longparish III fell to a nine wicket defeat against near neighbours Penton.