Sage at the fore again as Timsbury begin campaign with fine win

Timsbury made a fine start to the new season with a four-wicket win at home to Lansdown 2nd in Division One of the Bristol & District League.

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Having invited their visitors to bat, Timsbury were soon amongst the wickets as Martin Richards (5-29) caused big problems with his off-spin. At 125-8, Timsbury were well on top before a spirited unbeaten ninth-wicket stand of 45 between Eoin Godfrey (29*) and Harry Goddard (24*) changed the complexion.

With Timsbury left to chase 170, the ever-reliable Mark Sage came up trumps once again with a fine 76, which included 11 fours and six. There was also an invaluable innings of 24 not out from Gary Pearcy, who batted with great maturity, alongside brief cameos from skipper Jesse Bishop and Paul Cracknell.

The second side endured a tough campaign last year and, despite playing a division below this season, immediately witnessed the strength of opposition in Division Six. A strong Stoke Bishop set an imposing 289-6, despite a brace of wickets for Luke Matthews and Josh Tucker.

In reply, Ollie Davis (43) batted well, while new skipper Adam Workman made 25 and Henry Webb 20. Timsbury though were dismissed for 159 to lose by 130 runs.

The third team made the short trip to Chilcompton 2nd and, in an amazing reversal of fortune from last season, won by ten wickets in Division Nine East. Batting first, Chili were dismissed for 103 with James Purchase top-scoring with 22 after youngsters Mason Messenger and Zak Gloudemans were dismissed early.

In an impressive bowling display for Timsbury, Russ King took 3-10 and Callum Webb 3-23.

Timsbury then made light work of the challenge, with acting-skipper Dan Nesbitt leading the way with an unbeaten 66 after surviving a second-over lbw appeal from Gareth Rogers. He was supported by Jack Bennett who added an unbeaten 29.

Nick Johnston was the pick of the bowlers.

CHILCOMPTON SPORTS got the new campaign underway with both their first team captain and club chairman on holiday.