Heavy overnight rain saw Timsbury’s home fixture with Claverham (Yatton) in the Bristol and District League Senior Division delayed for 90 minutes but once proceedings got under way the home side soon made up for lost time eventually winning the 32-over match by seven wickets.
After electing to bat first Claverham were soon put under early pressure by the opening attack of Kev Sibley and Sam Hoddinott. But while Sibley kept it tight at one end it was Hoddinott who made the vital breakthroughs taking 3-27 in his seven overs, including the influential Dominic Hooper who he bowled with a top delivery. Teenager Joe Kinnear came on as first change bowler and in an excellent spell took 4-9 aided by an outstanding catch from Graeme Webb running back. Skipper Jon Strand cleaned up the tail taking three wickets for 11 and the visitors were dismissed for 82 in just over 29 overs.
Hooper posed a constant threat when Timsbury replied removing both Greg Passingham and Gary Pearcy but Mark Sage held the innings together in his usual positive style and finished unbeaten on 44 as Timsbury claimed a crucial victory with plenty to spare.
It was also a good day for Timsbury seconds who kept up the pressure on the leaders in the Bristol and District League Division 6 with a 91-run win away to Whitchurch seconds. Batting first Timsbury totalled 206-7 in the 30-over match with Adam Workman leading the way with 62. James Rawlings struck 29 and skipper Ben Hosford 24 with lots of other useful contributions down the order. Timsbury’s total was never seriously threatened and Whitchurch finished on 115-6 with Martin Peters their top scorer on 33. All the visiting bowlers recorded economical figures with Neil Hucker’s 2-19 the best effort.
Malcolm Tucker