Timsbury’s visit to Bristol and District League Senior Division leaders Congresbury ended in a six wicket defeat, in a game that was ruined by persistent rain.

There was constant drizzle during the Timsbury innings and when Congresbury replied, there were two stoppages for rain, with the target readjusted to 190 from 39 overs.

After being asked to bat first, Timsbury lost the early wicket of Adam Brinkworth, but Mark Sage, who has just reached 10,000 runs since his return to Timsbury, looked in fine touch and it was a surprise when he was caught at cover for 34. Graeme Webb added a useful 28 and a positive Greg Passingham batted well before being run out for 40. Jesse Bishop was also run out, after looking comfortable at the crease for fifteen, and a sudden collapse saw the visitors decline to 166-8. However an excellent unbeaten ninth wicket stand of 53 between Tom Clark (23 not out) and Captain, Steve Clothier, (20 not out) propelled Timsbury to 219-8 from their 45 overs. Congresbury’s overseas signing,, West Indian, Iraq Thomas, was the most successful bowler with 2-43 while Timsbury’s effort was aided by 34 extras.

When they replied, the home side lost the early wicket of Stuart Castle, but fellow opener Ian Perry steadied the ship alongside teenager Cameron Harding, before they were both out for 31 and 52 respectively. Mike Fisher, who had hit a century against Timsbury earlier in the season, was dismissed for 16, but fifteen-year-old, Jack Kearns (48 not out) and Thomas (31 not out) saw the league leaders home with an unbeaten fifth wicket stand of 89. Jon Strand took two wickets in an over to finish with 2-48.

This coming Saturday, Timsbury are at home to Nailsea and will be hoping to complete the double.

Malcolm Tucker