TIMSBURY 236-9 FRENCHAY 167

Timsbury produced their most dominating performance of the season away to Frenchay to record back-to-back victories in the West of

England Premier League (Bristol and North Somerset).

It has been a challenging year against strong opposition – most of whom have overseas signings – but the morale in the side has

remained strong, and the last two weeks have raised hopes of further success.

Timsbury have been given some good starts this season, and after being put in to bat, Mark Sage and Adam Brinkworth again made healthy progress before Brinkworth was caught for 24. Kev Sibley kept the innings going, but the real fireworks came when a rejuvenated Graeme Webb joined Sage.

Together, they added 101 in just eighteen overs before Webb’s excellent knock of 71, which included twelve fours, came to an end. Sage’s invaluable innings of 76 (ten fours and one six) ended soon after, and the one disappointment of the afternoon was that the last fifteen overs reaped just 36 runs. South African, Tyler Alexander, recovered from being hit for 20 by Webb in his first over to finish with 4-49.

The consistent Sam Hoddinott then struck early for the visitors when Frenchay batted, and his spell of 3-28 put them on the back-foot, from which they never looked like recovering.

Tom Bibby (33) and Alexander (27) briefly threatened, but Captain, Jon Strand (3-34), Neil Hucker (2-22) and Steve Clothier (2-41) saw there was no way back.

Timsbury’s disciplined display was emphasised by the fact that it was not until the 27th over that they bowled their first wide.

There was also good news for the Seconds, who beat Bishopston Thirds at home by six wickets. Batting first, the visitors made 198-9, with Dave Willett 84 not-out. Gary Pearcy took 4-31 for Timsbury, but they won’t be happy conceding 47 extras, including 39 wides. Greg Passingham saw Timsbury home with an undefeated 54, and there were valuable contributions from Adam Workman (49) and Paul Cracknell (41).

Timsbury Thirds just failed to make it a clean sweep, losing by nine runs away to Hambrook Thirds. They dismissed the home side for 130 with fine bowling performances from teenagers, Josh Blanchard (4-23) and Joe Kinnear (3-16). Kinnear completed a fine match with 29 when Timsbury replied, but in the end, they just fell short.

Malcolm Tucker