Timsbury visited Coalpit Heath for the first time in many years, and returned with a much-needed nineteen-run victory in the Bristol and District League Senior Division.

Chasing a Timsbury total of 229–9, the home side were well-placed at 138–3, but the loss of two key men at that total changed the momentum of the game, and the visitors won with just over an over to spare.

The Timsbury innings were dominated by three players. The experienced duo of Mark Sage and Andy Carter opened up for the visitors and put on 84 for the first wicket, until Carter was dismissed for 36. Despite losing partners at the other end, Sage continued to hold the innings together before he was bowled by Kyle Rose for 81, which included fifteen fours.

Wickets continued to fall at frequent intervals, but Kevin Sibley held firm, and his knock of 48 was to prove crucial. Rose recorded the impressive bowling figures of 5–32 for the home side, with Pete Lamb taking 3–51.

In reply, Coalpit Heath were struggling at 48–3, before a stand of ninety between Sam Moss and Qasim Ali put them firmly in the driving seat. Both players were then dismissed on 138, with Moss going for 58 and Qasim Ali for fifty, and despite a spirited effort from the latter batsmen, Timsbury took the spoils. Sibley capped a fine all-round display by taking 3–12, and there were also three wickets for Jon Strand (3–30).

Timsbury’s Second eleven just failed to record their fourth successive ten-wicket win, but still maintained their title challenge in Division Eight, with a nine-wicket victory at home to Almondsbury Seconds. Chasing the visitors’ total of 138, Matt Brinkworth led the charge with an undefeated fifty, well-supported by Sol Thompson (37) and Paul Cracknell (33 not-out).

Timsbury Thirds made it a good day for the club with an 112-win away to Bristol West Indian Phoenix Thirds in Division Fourteen. Matt Ball (eighty), Lee Hulbert (forty) and Sam Sparks (32) were the main contributors in Timsbury’s total of 208–5. Josh Blanchard (3–31) helped to dismiss the home side for 96.

This week Timsbury are home to Portishead.

M. Tucker