The clash between the two teams lying in second and third place in the Bristol and District League Senior Division proved to be a lacklustre affair but Nailsea’s three-wicket win at home to Timsbury moved then to within a point of leaders Frenchay. Having made 166 on an unpredictable wicket the visitors were very much in the game at the tea interval but their attack failed to exploit the conditions in the way that Nailsea had and their effort wilted in the hot sun.
Gary Pearcy contributed more than a quarter of Timsbury’s runs and his innings of 43, which included 9 fours, was only ended by a sharply lifting delivery. Jack Williams celebrated his late call up with a valuable innings of 23 before falling to an excellent catch at square leg by Liam Lester but the second top contributor was the extras column of 29. Mike Ready led the way for Nailsea with 4-26 and there were two wickets each for Lester, Josh Dann and Pete Hardcastle.
Arran Stewart gave Timsbury an early boost when he trapped Ready lbw from the second ball of the Nailsea innings but captain Tom Moss (49) and Rob Wood (42) then added 96 for the second wicket to put the home side well in control. Wickets did fall but Timsbury never seriously threatened victory. Gareth Dann saw the home side over the line with an undefeated 33 although he survived one scare when he was given out lbw. Timsbury, however, aware that the batsman had hit the ball asked for the decision to be reversed, a gesture that was appreciated by the home side. Sam Hoddinott emerged with the best bowling figures for Timsbury with 3-41 but it was generally an afternoon to forget.
There was no better news for the seconds who were beaten at home by BAC in a top-of-the-table clash in Division 8. In a high-scoring encounter Timsbury were left to chase 311 and despite a century from Andy Carter, who made 108, and 37 from skipper Ben Hosford they were all out for 243. The thirds too were left to chase a large total away to Winterbourne 5ths. The Bristol side made 293-6 and Timsbury finished 80 runs short. Lee Hulbert made 64, skipper Ashley Davis 46 and Alex Lane was 41 not out.
This week (July 7th) Timsbury begin the second half of the season with a trip to Shirehampton whom they beat on the first day of the new season. The seconds are home to Thornbury thirds and the thirds visit Bedminster 5ths.
Malcolm Tucker
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