A spectacular, all-round performance from Graeme Webb propelled Timsbury to a 28-run win away to Downend 2nd XI, in the Bristol and District League Senior Division. He followed up a whirlwind knock of 102 in just 44 balls, with a 3-35 bowling spell and a superb boundary catch.
Having been invited to bat first, Timsbury got off to a solid start. In the absence of the prolific Mark Sage, Nathan Hawkins celebrated his promotion to First Team action, with a fine knock of 47, and in the company of Adam Brinkworth (21), shared an opening stand of 52.
The visitors progressed to 108-4, at which point the fireworks began. Webb and Kevin Sibley, who have both proved popular and invaluable additions to the club this season, added 105 in 44 minutes, before Sibley was caught for 28.
Webb, however, carried on his merry way, hitting his last fifty in just fourteen balls, and altogether struck ten sixes. Robert Knight was the most successful of the Downend bowlers, but his three wickets came at a cost of 82 runs, while Ben Ford’s four overs conceded 49 runs as the visitors amassed a challenging total of 280-7 from their 45 overs.
Downend produced a spirited response, without ever looking likely to reach the formidable target. Ford struck 14 in just the second over, but was caught and bowled in the next over by Sam Hoddinott, who also bowled fellow opener, Oliver Ralph for fourteen.
Dan Semple (53) and Chris Binnie (30) both batted well, and there were useful contributions down the order, notably by Knight, who made 35 before becoming Hoddinott’s third victim. Hoddinott was to finish with 4-75, after suffering some late punishment, Webb took 3-35 while Ellis Hancock, after conceding fourteen in his first over, bowled the next eight economically to finish with 0-32 from his nine overs.
With three matches of the season left, this win consolidates Timsbury’s mid-table position and this Saturday they are home to third-placed Twyford House.