Timsbury recovered from an indifferent start before ultimately cruising to a seven-wicket win away to Old Bristolians Westbury in the Bristol and District League Senior Division. After inserting the home side Timsbury looked to be chasing a large total when the home openers rattled along to 70-0 but a fine effort in the field saw Old Bristolians Westbury lose their last 10 wickets for just 90 runs and Timsbury reached the winning post with more than 12 overs to spare.
Teenager Oliver Meadows and overseas opener Ricardo de Nabrega gave the home side a fine start and looked in little trouble until Meadows was caught off the bowling of Jon Strand for an attractive 30. Strand then removed the dangerous Rupert Swetman for just four before captain Steve Clothier dismissed Nabrega for a well-constructed 60. From 131-3 Old Bristolians Westbury imploded losing their last seven wickets for just 29 runs. Neil Hucker led the way for Timsbury taking 4-26, Clothier finished with 3-27 and Strand with 2-29. The bowlers were backed up by some sharp catches and an excellent run out from Jack Williams.
In reply Timsbury lost the early wickets of Mark Sage and Adam Brinkworth but Andy Carter celebrated his recall to first team action with a typically ebullient innings that ended just one short of a well deserved half century. His good work was then carried on by Kev Sibley and Williams who embarked on an excellent unbroken partnership of 88 for the fourth wicket that saw Timsbury home. Sibley finished on 52 and Williams on 34 as Timsbury maintained their promotion push.
There was also good news for the seconds who beat Alveston at home by 59 runs. Timsbury set a challenging total of 269-7 with Sol Thompson carrying his bat for an excellent unbeaten innings of 92. Paul Cracknell weighed in with 45, Adam Workman made 33 and skipper Ben Hosford contributed 27. Workman then proved his worth with the ball taking 4-28 and there were two wickets each for Ed Roberts and Gary Pearcy.
This week (July 28th) Timsbury entertain Bradley Stoke, the seconds are away to Churchways and the thirds, whose game was cancelled on Saturday as Bitton were unable to raise a side, are hopefully at home to Bristol Civil Service seconds.
Malcolm Tucker