Derby rivals produce a classic run-fest as Cox makes the difference

Timsbury served up a cricket classic at Midsomer Norton 2nd in Division One of the Bristol & District League.

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They served up over 500 runs, including two individual centuries, in a contest which went down to the final ball. In the end, it was Norton who prevailed by four runs ona belter of a pitch.

Having decided to bat, Norton got off to a dynamic start as John Carroll hit a rapid 52. He dominated an opening stand of 60 with Martin Cox, who paced his own innings to perfection to reach an excellent 112 with 14 fours and a six. Josh Rodd (26) and skipper Chris Hampshire (23) provided able support as Norton set a challenging 256-6 from their 40 overs. Spinner Martin Richards was Timsbury’s top bowler with 2-28 from his eight overs.

In reply, Timsbury made the worst possible start as they lost their first three wickets for just 26 runs. New signing Russ Wakefield made a dream debut however as he, alongside skipper Jesse Bishop (42), added 98 runs.

With the support from the lower order, Wakefield took Timsbury to the brink of a famous victory before being the last man out for a superb 133.

Timsbury needed four off the last ball to tie as Cox capped a memorable match with 4-21.

There was disappointment for the second side whose game at Winterbourne was cancelled with the visitors unable to raise a side.

In better news, there is no stopping the third team who have quickly put last season's disappointment behind them with two convincing wins in Division 9E. Visitors Bitton 2nd were dismissed for 184, with Shakil Malik top-scoring with 43. Matt Ball took 3-25, alongside a brace of wickets for Freddie Hosford, Neil Hulford and Tim Philip.

In reply, Hulford (56), Hosford (46*) and Ball (35) followed up their success with the ball with vital batting contributions as Timsbury won by six wickets to sit proudly at the top.