Timsbury Athletic go into 2020 with an eight-point lead at the top of the Uhlsport Somerset County League Division 1 after a convincing 4-1 win at home to Broad Plain House. The damage was done in the first half when the home side built up a 3-0 advantage.

Timsbury were on the front foot from the off and after Toby Neilson had shot just wide, Rhys Cook headed the wrong side of the post from a Jack Nix cross. The breakthrough came on the quarter-of-an-hour mark when Jem Lutwama raced clear and finished well past visitors’ keeper George  Mullins. Six minutes later and Timsbury were two up with Cook collecting a telling pass from Josh Swarbrick and then  rounding Mullins to shoot home.

As the home side kept up the pressure Dominic Barresi shot wide from distance and Ellis Hancock forced a fine save from Mullins with a terrific drive. At the other end Joe Banks shot wide and Jordan Scadding saw his effort comfortably held by home keeper Josh Wilcox. Ten minutes from half-time Timsbury went three in front when Liam Craze’s free-kick totally wrongfooted Mullins  and finished in the corner of the net. The half ended on a sour note when Broad Plain captain Scadding was shown a straight red card and Barresi joined him after collecting a second yellow card.

Early in the second half a goal-bound effort from Neilson was blocked on the line before Cook tapped home Timsbury’s fourth goal after Hancock had hit the post. Leon Mansaray had a great chance to pull back a goal for the visitors but his free header was easily held by Wilcox.

Cook worked hard to create another chance for himself but this time shot over the top. Lutwama found himself with a great chance to add a fifth after an incisive cross from Nix only to see his effort from close range blocked by Mullins. Swarbrick embarked on an adventurous run through the visitors’ defence but failed at the final hurdle shooting  wide and Hancock headed wide from Craze’s free-kick.

The visitors staged a late show and after Mansaray had headed over and Archie Ferris had shot too high Dom Robinson grabbed a late consolation goal with practically the last kick of the game.

Malcolm Tucker

Mendip Crematorium was packed to overflowing for the funeral of a much-respected local sportsman, Jer Thompson, who has died after a long illness. The talented cricketer who played for a number of local clubs and who played minor counties cricket for Wiltshire, has spent the last 20 years at Timsbury. Here he inspired a generation of players both as a colleague and latterly as a coach, with the determination and drive that was the hallmark of his character.

Jer was brought up in Writhlington attending St Mary’s Primary School and the local Comprehensive. His outstanding sporting promise was spotted at an early age and he represented Avon Schools and Somerset at youth level. He also played for a number of local football teams.

His early cricketing days saw him playing for Temple Cloud before he moved to Bath where he was coached by former Somerset batsman and county umpire Peter Wight who ran his indoor school at North Parade. He played for Somerset second eleven but one of his great experiences was playing against Warwickshire for Wiltshire in the Gillette Cup where he faced South African quickie Alan Donald.

He was also twelfth man against the touring Australians. He was later to play for Midsomer Norton  and Keynsham in the Western League before being persuaded to join Timsbury by Darren Wilkins. He was one of the historic eleven which reached the National Village Final at Lords in 2006. In a tribute to Jerry all of his team mates came to the funeral dressed in the outfits worn at the final and Wilkins who has remained a close friend led the tributes with an emotional eulogy.

After leaving school Jer went into the building industry before joining Ford Fuel Oils where he was a driver for 25 years. He married his wife Anne-Marie in 1990 and they have one son Sol who plays cricket for Timsbury and rugby for Chew Valley. Anne-Marie said that it is clear from the many cards and messages that they have received that Jer had a big influence on people’s lives.

She said, “ Jer expected everyone to give maximum effort and had a great work ethic. As an individual he was very humble and never wanted any fuss. He was a devoted family man and his death will leave a big hole in our lives.”

Jer who is also survived by father Ken and sister Bridget showed the same determination in fighting the illness that made life so difficult for him over the last 12 months before losing the battle and passing away at the age of 56.

Malcolm Tucker

Uhlsport Somerset County League Division 1 leaders Timsbury Athletic had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 1-1 home draw with lowly Minehead. A heavy pitch and strong wind were never likely to provide easy conditions and fluent football was at a premium.

Timsbury had the first clear opening when Dom Barresi burst clear but his shot was well saved by Minehead keeper Kyran Wilkins who had an impressive afternoon.  Guy Burns shot wide with the visitors’ first meaningful effort while Liam Craze suffered a similar fate at the other end for the home side.

Chris Midgeley ghosted in at the far post for Timsbury to meet a telling cross from the right but failed to get the crucial touch. Chances were few and far between for both sides in a turgid opening half although Ellis Hancock flicked a Jack Nix free-kick over the bar and Burns threatened for the visitors with a strong run which ended with a shot just over the bar.

Timsbury introduced substitute Jem Lutwama at the start of the second half and he was immediately in action shooting just over. It was Minehead, however, who broke the deadlock after 53 minutes. Callum Barnfield exposed the home defence as he broke clear down the left and his accurate cross was forced home by Ellis Bone.

Two more substitutes , Corey Rawlings and Lewis Bond-Kendall, joined the action for Timsbury and soon made their presence felt. Rawlings forced a fine save from Wilkins and then crossed from the right only to see the centre too high for Lutwama. As Timsbury pressed for the equalizer Lutwama broke clear only to shoot wide while Bond-Kendall nearly caught out Wilkins with a snap shot that took the keeper by surprise. The corner conceded was to bear fruit for Timsbury, however, with Jesse Bishop heading home Lutwama’s cross to make it 1-1.

Wilkins again did well to deny Rhys Cook but Minehead also had their chances and Josh Swarbrick showed good defensive qualities to block a goal-bound effort. The Timsbury cause was made more difficult when Callum Taylor was sent off but they still came close to grabbing a late winner when Wilkins saved superbly from Bishop who again found space to head goalwards from Lutwama’s corner.

Malcolm Tucker

Timsbury bounced back from their disappointment of the previous week with a clinical away win at Wells. A goal in each half was enough to claim all three points in a very competitive game in this Uhlsport Somerset County Div 1 match

Timsbury took the lead after only five minutes. Hancock knocked the ball towards the corner for Cook to chase, he cut inside the last defender but then saw his shot saved by the legs of Wells keeper Veale. The rebound fell to the feet of Neilson and his goal-bound shot was handled on the line for a penalty. Cook stepped up to give the keeper no chance. 

Camm should have done better for the home side when he found himself free on the edge of the box, but his shot sailed high and wide. A Neilson cross from the right found Cook unmarked about 12 yards out but his shot was turned around the post by Veale.

Timsbury should have increased their lead on the half hour when Cook evaded two challenges on the half way line to run clear, he then played the ball to Neilson who, with only the keeper to beat, blazed his shot high. Wells had a lot of possession but it was Timsbury who were making all the chances.  Midgeley created another when he outpaced the full back but unfortunately no one was able to get the final touch to his fine cross.

The Wells goal continued to lead a charmed life when almost from the restart a speculative cross from Cook deceived the Wells keeper and hit the far post. The rebound fell to Craze on the edge of the box but his volley was deflected away to safety.

Timsbury’s second was not long in coming. Another fine run from Neilson found Cook unmarked. With a clear path to he goal coolly slotted the ball through the keepers legs to make it 0-2. Cook could have had his hat-trick when a defensive error allowed him another clear run on goal only this time to see his effort being cleared by the legs of the keeper.

Wells did not have their first shot on target until the hour mark, when Moon’s shot from outside the box was tipped on to the bar by Wilcox in the Timsbury goal. The home sides’ cause was not helped when one of their defenders was sin bBinned with 15 minutes remaining. With time running out substitute Padfield missed their best chance of reducing the deficit when, with only the keeper to beat, he saw his shot sail well over the bar from 12 yards.

Star Man  Rhys Cook (Timsbury)

Rob Veater

The AGM of Timsbury Cricket Club opened on a sad note with members observing a minute’s silence in memory of a much-respected former player and current committee member Jerry Thompson who had recently died.

Jon Strand was unanimously re-elected as first team captain and Adam Brinkworth will continue as his vice-captain. Ben Hosford who is celebrating three successive promotions as second team skipper continues at the helm with Rob Clothier as his assistant. There is a change at third team level, however, with Laurie Jones taking over from Ashley Davis who has looked after the side for the last seven years although Davis will keep involved as vice-captain.

Mike Passingham has decided to stand down after many years as secretary with Richard Davis stepping up. Treasurer Ben Curtis is taking over running the club’s 200 Club from Roger Lane who was thanked for his efforts by chairman Austin Sage.

Sage said that overall the club was in a strong position and he was delighted that although the first team had been relegated there had been a strong team spirit throughout the season. He congratulated Hosford on another promotion for the seconds and thanked Davis for all his years as third team skipper and for providing a pathway for youth players into adult cricket.

Lloyd Davies had led some excellent training sessions for the senior players and Adam Brinkworth was thanked for all his work with the youth players. Matt Brinkworth’s All Star sessions had attracted 42 young participants and next season the club will be supporting the new ECB initiative for the 8-11 year olds known as Dynamos.

Sage was pleased that the presentation evenings and social events had seen the clubhouse packed and plans continued to extend the clubroom with an upgrade of changing facilities in conjunction with the village football club. Subscription rates remained unaltered but to keep them as cheap as possible Sage appealed for more senior members to help with youth training. Sage thanked Curtis for his work as treasurer and all members of the Management Committee and other club helpers.

Malcolm Tucker, on the recommendation of the Management Committee, was unanimously reappointed as Club President. Also on recommendation of the Management Committee Yvonne Bird, Ann Sage, Kelly Roper, Simon Roper and  Nic Gapper were to be invited to become club Vice Presidents.

The election of officers were as follows

Chairman                                A. Sage

Vice Chairman                       Mark Sage

Treasurer                                B. Curtis

Secretary                                 R. Davis

Fixture Secretary                   Martyn Sage

1^st Team Captain,                    J. Strand

1^st Team Vice Captain,           A. Brinkworth

2^nd Team Captain                    B. Hosford

2^nd Team Vice Captain,           R. Clothier

3rd Team Captain,                    L. Jones

3^rd Team Vice Captain             A. Davis

Child Protection Officer          Adam Brinkworth

Auditor                                     A. Davis

Timsbury saved their worst performance of the season for this away trip to fellow promotion hopefuls Uphill Castle, where they were soundly beaten 2-0 in a very competitive Uhlsport Somerset County Div 1 match.

In a frenetic first 15 minutes both sides made chances without really troubling either goal, before Uphill took the lead. Timsbury failed to clear their lines when a strong challenge from Mckenna led to a fine cross from the right reaching an unmarked Sneddon Coombs in the centre of the goal to head home.

Cook was unlucky not to level the score soon after when his goal-bound shot was cleared by the legs of Beresford in the home goal. Mckenna was guilty of missing a great chance to increase the lead when he beat Timsbury’s  offside trap, but with only the keeper to beat pulled his shot wide.

Uphill almost gifted Timsbury a goal when their keeper’s clearance was closed down by Cook on the edge of the box but he was lucky enough to scramble back and claim the ball before it ran free again. Beresford then produced a fine save to tip a Lutwama free kick from the edge of the box over the bar.

Timsbury’s defence somehow managed to stop Uphill increasing their lead when a goalmouth scramble in their six-yard box resulted in five or six shots on target without out ever crossing the line. Late in the half Uphill finally increased their lead after Timsbury keeper Wilcox was unable to reach another through ball before the Uphill striker Mckenna who was able to walk the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0.

Uphill continued to handle the conditions better in the second half. A Hartley corner hit the top of the bar direct from the kick, then Wilcox made a fine save from a Mckenna shot. A long ball from Swarbrick found Cook through on goal but a last ditch tackle meant his shot was easily saved.

Cook then pulled another shot wide of the target from the next attack. Despite plenty of the ball in the second half Timsbury were unable to make their possession count, rarely troubling Beresford in the home goal and Uphill ran out worthy winners. 

A special mention should be made of referee Steve Luxon who handled the game brilliantly, allowing a very competitive game to flow whenever possible.

Star Man  Aiden Mckenna (Uphill Castle)

Rob Veater

Timsbury Athletic strengthened their position at the top of the Uhlsport Somerset County League Division 1 with a 2-1 home win against second placed Burnham United. It was a game that more than lived up to expectations with referee Steve Densley playing his part in a thrilling encounter.

Before the game both sides stood for a minute’s silence in memory of former Timsbury player Jerry Thompson who had recently died.

Burnham made the brighter start and Curtis Bradshaw gave them the  lead after 11 minutes when he turned well in the box and shot past Jack Scrivens. Rhys Cook then came close to equalizing when he intercepted a wayward back-pass only to be denied by keeper Fraser Mcdiarmid who followed it up with a fine save again from Cook.

Timsbury continued to press and after Ellis Hancock had shot over Mcdiarmid was in action once more saving well from a Jem Lutwama header. Cook saw another effort blocked but Burnham showed they possessed danger at the other end with Bradshaw just over as he looked for his second goal.

Scrivens had to be at his best to deny Bradshaw early in the second half before Timsbury grabbed a well deserved equalizer when Cook raced clear to shoot past Mcdiarmid. The impressive custodian then made a great save from a crisp shot from Lutwama who created a great chance for Cook after showing good skills on the right but Cook was unable to convert the cross.

Timsbury continued to have the better of the play but Jamie Merrick came close for the visitors shooting over the top. As the home side looked for the breakthrough Lutwama shot well over while Toby Neilson was just wide with a good effort. 15 minutes from the end Timsbury at last earned the reward for their efforts when Callum Taylor met a Jack Nix free-kick with a firm header that gave Mcdiarmid no chance. 

Malcolm Tucker

Just a week after knocking Street Reserves out of the Somerset Senior Cup Timsbury Athletic were beaten 3-0 at home by the same opponents who claimed the double over the Uhlsport Somerset County League Division 1 leaders. Trailing 2-0 at the interval Timsbury dominated the second half but failed to make their territorial advantage count.

The visitors took the lead after just seven minutes when striker Sheik Njie burst through the Timsbury defence to hammer an unstoppable shot past Josh Wilcox in the home goal. As Street continued to press Wilcox saved an effort from Oliver Walby and captain Toby Davey shot wide. At the other end Rhys Cook burst clear but his effort proved fruitless before Street doubled their lead after 20 minutes with a fine individual goal from Richard Fowler.

Cook provided Jem Lutwama with Timsbury’s best chance to date but the striker shot well over the top. Street continued to look the more dangerous unit and it needed a timely intervention from Liam Craze to deny Njie his second goal. Alessandro Costanza missed two good opportunities to increase Street’s lead first heading wide from a dangerous position and then shooting past the post.

The second half saw Timsbury come right back into the game with substitute Corey Rawlings making an immediate impact down the right flank. Cook was just over with a crisp shot while Toby Neilson was well over with a free-kick. The home side’s best chance fell to skipper Ellis Hancock who shot over from point blank range after keeper Luke Roberts had parried Cook’s free-kick.

As the home side continued to press Jesse Bishop headed against the bar and Roberts saved well from Cook who had been put through by Lutwama. Street had offered little threat in the second half but in a rare visit to the Timsbury goal Davey found himself unmarked inside the box and tapped in for Street’s third goal. Late efforts from Rawlings and Lutwama were well handled by Roberts as the visitors comfortably saw the game out.

Malcolm Tucker

Timsbury claimed all three points, winning 2-1 in a very competitive game away at Somerton, to go top of the table in this Uhlsport Somerset County Div 1 match

Timsbury were grateful early on to their young keeper Wilcocks who managed to tip a low shot from Brown on to the post, with the rebound clearing the bar from the on rushing Holland. This proved a rare excursion for the home side. Timsbury having the advantage of both slope and wind kept them penned into their own half for long periods.

After 15 mins Timsbury took the lead when a cross from Midegley  on the right was headed back across goal by Cook. This was only half cleared to Nielson on the edge of the box who volleyed an unstoppable shot past Hardy in to home goal to make it 1-0.

In difficult conditions Timsbury failed to make the most of their advantage with the home defence limiting them to long range shots and half chances even when they were reduced to 10 men when Dyer was sin binned for 10 minutes. Wilcocks was called upon again to make a fine save with his legs after Brown found himself with a clear shot on goal. Hancock ended the half with a goal-bound shot only to see it parried away by Somerton keeper Hardy.

The roles were reversed in the second half with Somerton taking full advantage of the conditions and pressing hard for an equaliser. Brooks was called upon to make a last ditch tackle to thwart Dyer who was through on goal. The inevitable happened barely 10 minutes in when a low cross from the right by Brown across the six yard box fell to Holland who made no mistake in making it 1-1.

Within minutes Somerton were guilty of missing the chance to take the lead, when Holland’s cross from the right fell to the feet of Dyer who somehow blazed over with the goal at his mercy. Timsbury were grateful to the pace of Cook and Lutwama who at times were able to relieve the pressure on their defence and in turn causing a threat to the home goal.

Against the run of play it was this combination that gave Timsbury the lead again after 20 minutes. Hancock fed Cook down the left who ran to the by line and crossed for Lutwama, who got in front of the last defender to shoot home and make it 2-1. This unsettled the home side and they lost their way in the second half, resulting in them hitting long balls which were easily dealt with by the Timsbury defence.  Somerton might have snatched a point late on when a goal-mouth scramble was somehow kept out, despite several close range efforts from the Somerton attack.

 Star Man  Gem Lutwama (Timsbury)

Rob Veater

The clubroom of Timsbury Cricket Club was packed for the annual Presentation Evening with all three teams well represented. It had been a difficult season for the first eleven but this had not been reflected in the club atmosphere which remained buoyant throughout the campaign.

 Club Chairman Austin Sage praised the efforts of all the players and was delighted with the number of people working for the club. He thanked Matt and Adam Brinkworth for their work with the youth sides and James Rawlings for organising the under 19s matches.

Lloyd Davies had worked hard training the senior players. Dave Perryman and Martyn Sage had toiled hard to produce good playing surfaces for the teams on the main ground and at the school and Martyn received a well-deserved award for his consistently hard work.

The Chairman announced that there were initial plans to extend the clubroom but stressed that these were still early days for the plans.  In appreciation of their efforts flowers were presented to Ann Sage, Rita Day, Cheryl Bradley, Eve Bird, Claire Sage,  and Mel Hosford.

There were some excellent speeches from the three senior captains. Ashley Davis who is standing down after seven memorable years as third team skipper, and who was later voted club person of the year, said that his side had experienced a difficult year on the field with just three wins but felt that the 27 players who had represented the club had enjoyed their games . Matthew Ball was again the top batsman with Josh Blanchard the leading bowler. Teenager Oliver Hulbert was player of the season.

Ben Hosford in his third year as second team captain said that after a slow start the team was not far from achieving promotion for the third year in a row but the side eventually finished fourth in the Bristol and District League Division 7. He commended Greg Passingham on a fine all-round season and leading run scorer Adam Workman who scored 419 runs and was second team player of the year.

Gary Pearcy was the most successful bowler with 19 wickets. The most important thing he said was that there had been an excellent atmosphere in the side and players looked as though they were really enjoying themselves.

Jon Strand could not have had a more testing baptism as first team captain and the team managed just three wins in the West of England Premier League. The skipper remained upbeat, however, and praised the efforts of the players against sides with overseas players and much greater resources.

Mark Sage had again spearheaded the batting and got the side off to a number of good starts alongside Adam Brinkworth whose batting and excellent wicketkeeping earned him the player of the year award. On the bowling front Sam Hoddinott was praised by the captain for his economical spells and there were good returns from Steve Clothier and Neil Hucker. Despite a challenging year on the field Strand said there remained a vibrant atmosphere throughout the season.

Another successful evening concluded with first team all-rounder Graeme Webb giving his own personal recollections of the 2019 season.

The annual awards were as follows:

Youth section

Most improved Junior (Eddie Strong Trophy) Angus Martin 

Best performance by a Junior (Graham Bryant Trophy) Ben Smith

Outstanding teenager (S G Taylor Memorial Cup) Joe Kinnear

Biggest 6 Under 15 and below (Steve Nowell Challenge Cup ) Ben Smith

Club ties Ben Smith, Josh Blanchard

Senior section

Club caps   Will Rawlings, Oli Davis, Josh Blanchard

Fastest 50  (John Newth Cup) Rob Clothier

Best individual performance  (S G Taylor Cup) Kevin Sibley

First team Player of the Year (Sage Family Trophy) Adam Brinkworth

Second team Player of the Year (Malcolm Tucker Cup) Adam Workman

Third team Player of the Year  (Colin Weaver Cup) Oliver Hulbert

Clubperson  of the Year  Ashley Davis

Junior Clubperson  of the Year  (Roger and Eve Bird Cup) James Rawlings