Timsbury Cricket Club got their league season off to the perfect start with a convincing seven wicket win away to Hanham in the Bristol and District League Senior Division.

The following day they travelled to Uphill Castle in the National Village Cup and despite fielding a below strength side triumphed by 17 runs.

Timsbury used no fewer than eight bowlers in Hanham’s challenge of 172-9. Tight bowling looked to be restricting the home side to a much lower total until a late flourish from Dan Jackson, who hit a belligerent 52, took Hanham to a challenging total.

Kev Sibley bowled an immaculate spell taking 2-7 from 7 overs. Greg Passingham took 3-30 and Sam Hoddinott 2-37.

An excellent opening partnership between the experienced pairing of Mark Sage and captain Jon Strand made light of what could have been a difficult target. Once Strand was dismissed for 27, Timsbury were well on their way and Sibley, who replaced him, continued the good work alongside Sage.

With victory in sight, Sage perished to fine boundary catch for a match winning knock of 77 and Sibley’s fine all-round display saw him undefeated on 37 when Timsbury passed the winning post.

Sage and Strand again gave Timsbury a good start in their National Village contest before Sage was bowled for 28. Strand went on to hit an invaluable 63 and with timely mid-order contributions from Gary Pearcy (39) and 37 each from Jack Williams and Jesse Bishop, the visitors compiled an impressive 225-6 from their 40 overs. In reply, George Cox hit 81 to keep Uphill Castle in the contest but Timsbury took wickets at the vital time to gain a thoroughly deserved 17 run win. Pearcy capped a fine all-round performance with figures of 3-37 and Oli Hilbert took 2-35.

Timsbury second XI also began the new campaign well winning by 68 runs at home to Hanham second XI in the Bristol and District League Division 5.

Batting first, Timsbury totalled 211-5 with notable contributions from Rob Clothier (49), Paul Cracknell (36), Dan Hill (32), Sol Thompson (27) and Ben Hosford (24). The home side then kept a tight hold on affairs before Hill took the bowling honours with a spell of 6-40 to secure a comfortable victory.

Timsbury 3rd XI just failed to make it a perfect weekend losing by 28 runs away to Golden Hill 5th XI in the Bristol and District League Division 13.

The home side set a challenge of 174-7 with Ben Smith Timsbury’s most successful bowler with 4-49. Timsbury then came up just short despite a fine knock of 61 from Will Rawlings and an encouraging 33 from Henry Webb.

M. Tucker