TIMSBURY strengthened their hold at the top of  the Bristol and District League Division 1 after a 20 run home win against close rivals Lansdown 2nd XI. There was also great news for the Timsbury 2nd XI who recorded their first win of the season with a three wicket victory away to Stapleton 2nd XI.

Timsbury made the worst possible start after electing to bat first against Lansdown, slipping to 24-3. A responsible fourth wicket stand of 50 between Jack Williams (28) and Gary Pearcy (22) retrieved the situation and when they departed Jon Strand contributed an invaluable 36 not out as the home side reached 154-9 from their 40 overs. Goymer, Maynard and Bowery each took two wickets for Lansdown.

When the visitors responded Timsbury took a firm grip on the game with some disciplined and effective bowling. Sam Hoddinott took two wickets and conceded just 12 runs from his eight overs while Kev Sibley broke the back of the Lansdown batting in a fine eight over spell that rewarded him with figures of 4-16.

Lansdown slumped to 58-7 but the obdurate Dan Veale was then joined by Goymer and together they added an unbroken 76 . Veale finished unbeaten on 58 and Goymer was 36 not out but they left themselves with too much to do and Timsbury claimed the victory.

Timsbury’s second eleven have endured a difficult season in the Bristol and District League Division 5 due to a number of issues and the well earned victory at Stapleton should give them a timely boost for the second half of the campaign.

Bowling first the visitors reduced Stapleton to 149-9 but a last wicket stand of 53 between Imran Ali (54 not out) and Imran Akbar (20) saw the home side reach 202. Matt Brown took 4-44 for Timsbury and there were two wickets each for Russ King and Jake Alexander.

Will Rawlings then dominated the visitors’ reply with an outstanding innings of 71 and with notable contributions from Oli Hulbert (33) and Tristan Versfeld (24) Timsbury got over the line in just 25.2 overs.

Timsbury’s third eleven also looked as though they might break their duck at home to Bristol Lions 2nd XI  in the Bristol and District League Division nine East but in the end they were beaten by 67 runs.

Captain Chris Rawlings was again in good form with the bal,l taking 5-25 as the visitors struggled on 88-8 but a late surge saw them eventually reach 140. A disappointing batting display saw Timsbury dismissed for 73 with only Neil Hulford, Rawlings and Dave Webb making double figures.