A superb innings of 99 from Kev Sibley was not enough to prevent Timsbury from suffering another comprehensive defeat at home to Stapleton in the West of England Premier League (Bristol and North Somerset). A patchy fielding display which saw crucial catches go down was followed by a disappointing batting performance until Sibley lit up the day with a powerful innings in partnership with the tail.
Ghulam Shabbir proved to be Stapleton’s star man. He held the visitors’ batting together with an excellent knock of 97 with Tom Batchelor, who was dropped three times in his innings of 26, the next top scorer. Neil Hucker returned from holiday to continue his successful campaign with bowling figures of 3-46, Ellis Hancock ended with 3-54 and Sibley took 2-55.
Shabbir then proved he is no one-trick pony tearing the heart out of the Timsbury response with a spell of 3-13 in 10 overs which included seven maidens. He received good support from Babar Pervaiz (3-30) as the home side sank to 77-7.
During the carnage Sibley showed what could be achieved. Together first with Sam Hoddinott and then with Steve Clothier he launched a brutal onslaught in an innings that included eight fours and six sixes. Timsbury added 100 for the last three wickets before he was last man out just one run short of a well deserved century.
There was better news for Timsbury seconds who beat last year’s Bristol and District League Division 8 champions BAC by 66 runs in Bristol. Timsbury rattled up a total of 323-7 in their 45-over innings with Neil Hulford leading the way with a fine innings of 76. He received good support from Sol Thompson who finished unbeaten on 67, skipper Ben Hosford (59) and Rob Clothier (51). Greg Passingham then grabbed 4-27 as the home side finished on 257-9.
Timsbury thirds battled hard before going down by three wickets at home to Bristol West Indian Phoenix 3rd XI. Extras 38 was top scorer for Timsbury in their total of 144 with Lee Hulbert contributing 31 and Oli Davis 21. There were three wickets for Darren Davis and two for Joe Kinnear when the visitors replied but they got home with more than 17 overs to spare.
Malcolm Tucker