For the second week in a row Timsbury were involved in a dramatic conclusion to their match in the Bristol and District League Division 1 but this time they came out on top beating Lodway away by just two runs. In a week when availabilities again tested the club it was an excellent result against a side that had made a strong start to their own season.
Having been put into bat Timsbury made a positive start with Mark Sage again in good touch striking a rapid 48. He was well supported early on by Chairman Ben Hosford who was making a rare appearance in the first eleven but who hit an important 30. At 119-5 the innings was still at a critical stage but thanks to 32 from skipper Jesse Bishop and an unbeaten 38 from Greg Passingham, the visitors were able to collect full batting points after reaching 205-6.
There were early wickets for teenager Liam Hosford when Lodway replied but at 102-2 the home side were ideally placed. Hosford eventually recorded impressive figures of 3-38 but it was then left to the spinners to keep Timsbury firmly in contention. Passingham followed up his batting exploits with a brace of wickets including the crucial wicket of Stitfall who made the highest score of the day with 66. Jon Strand and Sam Hoddinott took crucial wickets as the game reached its conclusion and with nine needed from Hoddinott’s final over the home side finished two runs short at 203-9.
An outstanding all-round performance from Arran Stewart was not enough to save Timsbury’s second eleven from a heavy defeat at home to Bristol Eagles in the Bristol and District League Division 6. On a day when the other Eagles were flying at Wembley the Bristol side won by 87 runs after setting a target of 228-8. Stewart recorded the excellent figures of 5-24 from his eight overs and then struck a rapid 39 not out as the home side stumbled to 141 all out. Only Josh Tucker with a well compiled 40 was able to lend any support and, after a series of early dismissals that saw Timsbury 14-4 at one stage, there was no way back.
Timsbury’s third eleven bore the brunt of the shortage of players losing heavily away to a strong Midsomer Norton thirds side in the Bristol and District League Division Nine East. Matthew Edwards took 3-6 and Devon Baker 2-18 as Timsbury were hustled out for 44 and the home side won comfortably by nine wickets with Mark Batchelar 23 not out.
Malcolm Tucker