Timsbury slipped to a 49 run away defeat at Pak Bristolians in the Bristol and District League Senior Division, but still managed to emerge from the game with a number of positives. None more so than a sixth wicket stand of 161 between eighteen-year-old Jesse Bishop, who hit a senior best 80 and Greg Passingham (79) who both defied the home attack for nearly an hour and a half.
Pak Bristolians made a slow measured start, with Sam Hoddinott opening with two maidens, but their attacking instincts soon took over and few of the Timsbury attack were able to stem the rapid flow of runs. Saqib Butt led the way with a fine knock of 111, fellow opener, Shazil Mustafa, contributed 45 in a first wicket partnership of 124 and there was 35 from Qasir Abass and 31 from Mazhar Shah. Passingham recorded the best bowling figures of 2–36, but Hoddinott was the most economical with just 36 coming from his nine overs.
In reply, Timsbury were soon in trouble and at 80–5 an early finish looked on the cards. Bishop and Passingham had other ideas, however, and playing intelligent cricket ensured the visitors collected their full quota of batting bonus points. Both players perished near the end of the 45 overs, but a final total of 258–7 represented a fighting effort.
Malcolm Tucker