TIMPERLEY'S first XI had a busy week, with three games in four days, but were victorious in all three. 

Thursday night saw them in action in the Cheshire County Cricket League Joseph Holt T20 Competition at Division Two side Hale Barns.

Batting first Timperley posted 167-8 off their 20 overs, Grant Hodnett (69) doing most of the damage.

Hale Barns struggled to gain momentum in reply, with Timperley’s spinners keeping a lid on proceedings – Nathan Brown the pick of the bowlers returning 2-14, to ensure a comfortable 62-run victory. 

Saturday saw a sterner test in the shape of last year's Cheshire County Cricket League ECB Premier League runners-up Nantwich.

Timperley batted first and, in an even contest between bat and ball, Furqan Shafiq (45), Brooke Guest (63), and Nathan Brown (43) all made notable contributions to see them to 212-7 from their 55 overs.

Jimmy Warrington’s 2-62 was the pick of the Nantwich attack. 

To the neutral the game looked finely poised, but Jack White (3-28) had other ideas as he took two wickets in his first over.

Chris Page (4-25) backed him up brilliantly to be the pick of the bowlers, and at 67-7 the game was all but done. Nantwich were dismissed for 120 in just 24 overs, to complete a commanding 92-run victory. 

Sunday saw attentions switched to the Cheshire Cup (45 overs) with a trip to Widnes.

Timperley won the toss and elected to bat on a dry, flat pitch.

Grant Hodnett (116) and Furqan Shafiq (77) both continued in rich form to share an opening stand of 139.

Abhishek Kulkarni’s run-a-ball 60 not out was excellent support to see Timperley to 279-4 from their allocation. Widnes never really threatened to keep up with the demanding run rate, though, and wilted in the afternoon sun to end up 71 runs short on 208-5, with Jordan Ruff claiming his first senior wickets in an excellent 3-35. 

It was a hectic, but pleasing, few days for the Timperley contingent, who are growing in confidence heading into this week’s contest at Stockport Road with Neston.