Timsbury saw rain derail their promotion hopes in the Bristol and

District League Senior Division, and at the same time, gave a lifeline to Bradley Stoke’s efforts to avoid relegation. Batting first, Timsbury made 170 and the game was nicely set up for a close finish.

Heavy rain then wiped out twenty overs, and when the umpires decided that play could restart, a revised target of 95 from 25 overs based on overall run rate saw the game weighed heavily in the visitors’ favour. They took full advantage to win by six wickets.

In fairness, Timsbury did themselves no favours with a batting display that once again relied too heavily on the Senior Division’s leading batsman, Mark Sage, and the ever-reliable Kev Sibley. Sage made 57 and Sibley 51, but no-one else made a notable contribution and Timsbury lost their last six wickets for 28. Ashley Baber led the way for the visitors with 5-39, and there was a tidy spell of spin bowling from Wayne Passmore who took 2-18 in his nine overs.

Bradley Stoke lost Captain, Dan Peachey, to the first ball of Sam Hoddinott’s opening over, but a brisk knock of twenty from Owen Onslow set the visitors on their way and opener, Tom Laver, ensured there would be no slip up with a vital 47 that ended with just one run needed for victory. Timsbury Captain, Steve Clothier, shuffled his bowlers, but it was always going to be an uphill battle.

Neil Hulford had a field day in the Seconds’ 147-run away win at Churchways with an unbeaten 75, and there were also good knocks from Gary Pearcy (56), Paul Cracknell (31) and George Webb (nineteen) in a total of 263-9. Teenager, Webb, and Pearcy then took over with the ball, with Webb recording his best figures for the Seconds with 5-27, while Pearcy took 4-32.

Captain, Ashley Davis, was in fine form for the Thirds, making an undefeated 61 at home to Bristol Civil Service Seconds, and with Kelvin Hancock making 55 not-out and Matthew Ball 29, they finished their innings on 196-2. Ball then took 3-23 when the visitors batted, but it was not enough, and the Civil Service won by five wickets.

Next week, Timsbury face a tough trip to league leaders Frenchay, the Seconds are home to Bristol Mayalese and the Thirds are home to United Banks Seconds. On Sunday, 5th August, the club are holding a six-a-side competition, beginning at 12 noon.

Malcolm Tucker