TIMPERLEY Cricket Club's first XI secured a priceless home win against Neston CC in their top-of-the-table clash in the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Division.

Timperley won the toss and elected to bat first and Furqan Shafiq (57) looked his elegant best to get them off to a good start, taking 14 runs off the first over.

Neston responded brilliantly, though, with Ashley Davis (7-61) bowling with pace and control to make short work of the Timperley middle order, leaving the hosts reeling at 94-5.

Captain Nathan Brown fought hard for his 47-ball 28, but with no other significant contributions Timperley were all out for 155 in the 37th over.

David Hurst (3-21) claimed the other three wickets for Neston. 

Timperley knew they were up against it defending a sub-par total against the league leaders, especially when they progressed to 74-2 in response.

Brown (2-25) then claimed the wicket of Will Evans (41) and sparked a mini-collapse of Neston’s own to reduce them to 87-5.

Luke Camden (28) combined with Jonny Crick (19) and looked to have steadied the ship at 138-6.

But this Timperley team simply do not know when they are beaten.

Shafiq claimed the crucial wicket of Camden, in doing so exposing the Neston tail to Timperley’s seamers.

Jack White (4-53) and Ed Galley (2-10), expertly blew away the Neston lower order, the latter claiming the final wicket, courtesy of an excellent catch by wicketkeeper Nathan Olivier, to leave Neston 12 short in pursuit at 143 all out. 

It was another excellent result for Brown’s men that sees them leapfrog Neston to lead the early Premier League standings, emphasising the progress this club has made over recent years.

Next up is a tough test with an away trip to Chester Boughton Hall, where Timperley will be looking to extend their winning streak.