Jake Cropper’s hard work is paying off – and Cheltenham player/coach Luke Sellers couldn’t be more pleased.

Not only did the 16-year-old take six wickets for Cheltenham 2nds on Saturday, his haul also included a hat-trick.

The right-arm seamer finished with six for 41 from his 10 overs but couldn’t prevent Cheltenham 2nds from going down to a one-wicket defeat to Hatherley and Reddings in the Gloucestershire Division of the West of England Premier League.

It is only the second time that the Balcarras School pupil has played at the third level of the WEPL after the team’s promotion last season.

He forced his way into the 2nd XI towards the end of last season and Sellers said: “It’s a big step up, it’s serious cricket in the Gloucestershire Division.

“He’s a very consistent, very accurate bowler. He puts the ball in the right areas and consistently asks questions of the batsman.

“He works very hard at his game and is always there for senior training on Thursday evenings. He’s getting the rewards for all that hard work.”

Jake came through the junior set-up at the club, which is run by his dad John. Jake’s younger brother Billy is part of that junior set-up and is already in the club’s 3rd XI.

John, meanwhile, was playing for Cheltenham 2nds on Saturday and held a catch off his son’s bowling to present him with one of his six wickets. That accounted for his second victim, while the second victim of his hat-trick was Hatherley’s star all-rounder Andre Soma.

And it’s not just on the field that Jake is making an impression.

“He helps out with the All Stars programme so he is giving back to the club,” added Sellers. “He’s a good lad. He’s got a lot on at the moment because he’s just started his GCSEs as well.”