Hambrook, after their promotion from last season, welcomed Timsbury to The Common, under cloudy skies and somewhat chilly conditions, and after winning the toss, they inserted their visitors in this senior B&D division encounter.

Mark Sage got the Timsbury innings off to a dramatic start with 48, before perishing from only 33 balls with an array of powerful shots around the ground, which put the hosts on the back foot. Kev Sibley, a recent recruit, batting at five, set on a recovery mission after the loss of some early wickets. Putting 45 on with Greg Passingham (14), then 44 with Jon Strand (12) kept some sort of momentum in the visitors’ innings with a personal score of 51, and, along with some lusty blows from Skipper, Steven Clothier, the Timsbury innings closed on 179, with just over an over to spare.

The Hambrook response also commenced positively, but a clatter of wickets put Timsbury in the ascendancy. A smart catch by Gary Pearcy, off the bowling of Graham Webb, maintained the visitors’ slight advantage.

Further wickets from Webb, taking his match haul to five, set up the tightest of finishes. It was Lee Dyer supported by the tail who saw the home side over the winning line, off the last ball of the 45th with a scrambled single with 47 not out. Jon Strand and Sibley claimed two wickets apiece.

Mike Passingham