A copybook century from Mark Sage was the highlight of Timsbury 1st XI’s crucial 82-run victory away to close rivals Hanham in the Bristol and District League Senior Divisio . He remains the key element in the village side’s batting line-up and he showed all his experience in a rousing innings of 104 that included 15 fours and one six.
It was far from a one-man show, however, and there were contributions from all the side in the most impressive performance of the season. Having chosen to bat first on a baking afternoon the visitors rattled up 224-9, narrowly missing out on full bonus points. The key partnership was that of 102 for the second wicket between Sage and Dan Hill who more than justified his promotion to the first team with a fine knock of 32.
Then, when the innings looked like stalling, acting captain Kev Sibley and Greg Passingham came together to regain the initiative for the visitors with Passingham providing a delightful cameo of 25. Josh Hughes with 3-43 was Hanham’s most successful bowler.
Hanham began their reply confidently but then Gary Pearcy took three quick wickets, Jon Strand picked up a brace and with Oli Hulbert carrying out a smart run out suddenly the home side were 45-6. Ben Brown (42 not out) and Dan Jackson (24) did their best to rally the troops but Timsbury remained on top and Passingham completed a notable day’s work coming on at the end to take 3-15 with the final wicket the result of a neat stumping from Cory Versfeld.
Timsbury second eleven put in a strong bowling performance in their home game with league leaders Bristol Sri Lankans in the Bristol and District League Division 5 but sadly they were unable to back this up with the bat and were beaten by 109 runs. Charlie Hobbs in his first game for the seconds impressed with figures of 3-19 and Steve Clothier rolled back the years in taking 5-17 as the Bristol side were dismissed for 145. The home side had no answer to the opening Sri Lankan attack and were dismissed in just over12 overs for 36 with Ben Smith the only batsman to reach double figures. Dilshan Dhanushka Wyayakumar took 6-14 and Ravi Vinjamuri 4-19.
Malcolm Tucker