THORNBURY pushed league leaders Bath all the way before falling to a narrow defeat.

Youngster Juvaunie Gayle scored 83 with the bat and then took 4-46 with the ball as Thornbury appeared to be on course for a shock victory, but the defending champions showed their mettle to come through a close encounter and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

After deciding to bat first, the visitors were soon in trouble on 14-2 after losing opening batsman Nick Stovold and Ian Blakemore.

Gloucestershire batsman Chris Dent and Gayle led the recovery as they shared a partnership of 79.

Dent was run out after scoring 56 from 64 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, while Gayle went on to top score, hitting ten fours and two sixes in his 100-ball innings.

Wayne Kylander hit 32 to help Thornbury set Bath their biggest target so far this season, while Greg Stephens hit an unbeaten 21 off 20 balls at the end of the innings.

Thornbury looked to be on the brink of a fine victory when they reduced Bath to 98-6 with Gayle taking four wickets and Richard Trotman removing both opening batsman.

However, Robin Lett scored a century, hitting 106 off 108 balls, and found support from Matt Gitsham (36) and Luke Padgett (38*).

Kylander eventually removed Lett and also dismissed Gitsham, but Bath sneaked over the line with 17 balls to spare.