It was a disappointing start to the league season for all three Timsbury teams who were all at the end of heavy defeats. Both the first and second elevens ventured into new territory after promotions in 2018 but on the day were very much second best.
The first eleven put up a good performance in the field at home to Bristol 2nd XI in the West of England Premier League (Bristol and North Somerset) but were blown apart when it came to their turn to bat. Bristol batted solidly with new acquisition Tom Kear leading the way with 42. He added 71 for the second wicket with skipper Archie Fellowes (33) and there were useful knocks further down the order from Alan Hunt (28), Richard Morrison (25) and South African Michael Lord (24).
Timsbury bowled and fielded with purpose but with a few crucial dropped catches in the bitterly cold conditions. Neil Hucker bowled 10 fine overs to finish with 3-20, Ellis Hancock ended with 3-26 and Sam Hoddinott bowled tidily conceding only 26 runs in his 10 overs.
Timsbury had no answer to an impressive Bristol bowling attack and were hustled out for a mere 42. Jesse Bishop was the only batsman to emerge with any Brownie points after battling hard for an undefeated 13. Opening bowlers Morrison (3-9) and Alex Findlay (3-15) did the early damage and Lord finished the job off with a hat-trick that saw the end of Timsbury’s last three batsmen.
Timsbury’s second team made the trip to Bristol Pakistanis 2nd XI in Division 7 of the Bristol and District League and were beaten by 75 runs. The home side totalled 203-8 and Timsbury were all out 128. The third eleven set a challenge of 176 at home to Pucklechurch 2nd XI in Division 14 but the visitors passed the total with seven wickets in hand. Captain Ashley Davis (39) and Lee Hulbert (35) shared an impressive opening stand for the home side and there were a number of promising performances from the younger players with Will Rawlings making 23 and Oliver Hulbert taking two of the Pucklechurch wickets to fall.
Malcolm Tucker