A classy unbeaten 111 by Gloucestershire T20 captain Jack Taylor helped Hatherley and Reddings claim their first league win of the season on Saturday.

It was their third game in Premier 2 Glos/Wilts of the West of England Premier League and the win lifted them up to mid-table in the 10-strong table, level on points with Painswick who they defeated by five wickets at the weekend.

Taylor’s runs came from 125 balls – he hit 14 fours and three sixes – as Hatherley chased down Painswick’s all-out total of 217 with 4.4 overs to spare.

“It was a very good hundred,” said Taylor’s team-mate Max Kelly. “It was a real good example to some of the younger players on how to build an innings.

“He went through the gears and put away the bad ball. He’s a class above, he gives you a lot of confidence when he’s batting.”

The 33-year-old’s century follows a half-century in the previous game against Tewkesbury but although it was a standout innings against Painswick, it wasn’t chanceless.

“He was dropped just after he’d reached 50,” continued Kelly. “But he was so determined to go on and win the game after that, he really kept his head down.”

And while Taylor has clearly made an impression on the pitch, he’s made a big impression off it too.

“He’s a top lad,” said Kelly. “He fits in well with the players. He always gets there early, he’s got good chat, he loves his golf and he helps out with the younger lads.”

Taylor received good support in Saturday's run chase from Henry Driver-Dickerson (42), Ganesh Gadugu (21) and George Driver-Dickerson (21 not) after Hatherley’s bowlers had dismissed the home side in 49 overs.

Former Gloucestershire all-rounder Benny Howell, batting at seven, hit 59 from 58 balls before falling to off-spinner Kelly, who picked up 3-42 in his six overs.

“It was a good win, our captain bowled really well,” added Kelly.

Skipper Hage snapped up 2-28 from his 10 overs and Kelly said: “Even though we lost our first two games, I think we’ve got a really strong team.

“Dumbleton are obviously very strong but I think anyone can beat anyone, I think we’ve got every chance of pushing up the division.”

Hatherley host Cheltenham, who have won two of their opening three games, on Saturday.

Taylor is set to play in that game before the start of Gloucestershire’s T20 campaign which begins with a group game against Kent in Bristol on Friday 30^th May.