An outstanding fifth wicket partnership of 114 between Gary Pearcy and Jesse Bishop steered Timsbury to a five-wicket home success against Shirehampton in the Bristol and District League Senior Division.
At 67–4, chasing the visitors’ total of 189–9, Timsbury looked up against it, but the two young players batted with great responsibility and it was a shame that Bishop departed in sight of a well-deserved half century with just nine needed for victory.
After winning the toss and inserting Shirehampton, the home side made a dream start with opening bowlers, Ellis Hancock and Sam Hoddinott reducing them to 15–3. Gary Hutton (39) and Siya Sowati (30) then began the rebuilding process with a steady partnership of 72, and when they departed, the hard hitting John Stilwell set about the home attack with an aggressive knock of 55 and eventually Shirehampton reached 189–9 in their 45 overs. Home Captain, Steve Clothier (3–29) and Hancock (3–32) recorded impressive figures for Timsbury.
In response, Timsbury lost Adam Brinkworth and Jack Williams early on, but Mark Sage continued his fine early form before falling to Stilwell’s slower delivery for 35. Then Pearcy and Bishop took over, with Pearcy ending an excellent knock undefeated on 79 and Bishop falling five runs short of his fifty.
Gareth Nicholls (2–33) was Shirehampton’s most successful bowler.
Malcolm Tucker