Knowle 167 Timsbury 91

Timsbury’s brief flirtation with the West of England Premier League (Bristol and North Somerset) ended after just one season, when defeat at home to Knowle confirmed their relegation back to the Bristol and District League Senior Division.

It has been a challenging experience for the village side, competing with sides with much greater resources and overseas players, but one which, despite the results, the players have thoroughly enjoyed.

Batting first, Knowle faced just over five overs, before heavy rain saw play held up for nearly an hour and reduced the game to 42 overs each. Graeme Webb, opening the bowling for the home side, made early inroads into the Knowle innings and despite a quick 25 from prolific South African batsman, Darryl Losper, the visitors were struggling at 41-3. Webb was to return the excellent figures of 4-33 but 46 from Fred Barton and 32 from Ian Mills saw Knowle eventually reach 167, before they were dismissed with just three balls of their innings remaining.

When Timsbury replied, they got off to the worst possible start, with Mark Sage bowled off the first ball. Fellow opener, Adam Brinkworth, took the attack to the visitors with a breezy 22, but apart from skipper, Jon Strand, who finished 15 not out, no other batsman reached double figures. Oliver Haynes (5-40) and Sam Britton (4-23) did the damage before skipper, Joe Brimble, ended the innings with Timsbury on a disappointing 91.

Timsbury Seconds ended the season in fine style, winning by six wickets away to Saltford Fairway, in the Bristol and District League Division 7. Dan Hill, who has discovered a new life as a bowler, took 4-14 as the home side were dismissed for 129, Nilesh Vaz top scoring for Saltford Fairway with 32. Skipper Ben Hosford then spearheaded the visitors’ reply with 54 and with Greg Passingham, undefeated on 38, Timsbury cruised home with plenty to spare.

Malcolm Tucker