TIMPERLEY’S undefeated run came to an end at 15 games on Saturday as they suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Neston at Parkgate in the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Division.

Injuries continued to plague Timperley with Brooke Guest deemed unavailable and bowling talisman Jack White unable to bowl due to a groin problem.

Neston won the toss and elected to bowl first and Matt Stewart (5-43) made a great start by bowling Furqan Shafiq for an eight-ball duck.

The previous week’s centurion, Grant Hodnett (33) and Abhisjek Kulkarni (21) both got starts but failed to make heavy contributions as Timperley slipped to 57-4.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and without a captain's innings by Nathan Brown (42 not out) and a solid contribution from number 10 Chris Page (21), it could have been a much heavier defeat.

At 148 all out after 42 overs, Timperley knew they were well short of a competitive total on a good wicket. 

Timperley were always going to miss White’s firepower with the ball – it is difficult to replace a man who has 44 league wickets at an average of less than 10.

Despite great efforts from the returning Page and Ed Galley, the Neston opening pair stood firm and scored fluently as Will Evans registered 13 boundaries in his 67no.

A run out (by Page) and wicket for Nathan Brown (1-18), gave hope of a batting collapse at 108-2, but it was too little too late as Neston cruised to victory with 45 overs to spare. 

The first bitter taste of defeat was sweetened by news second-placed Nantwich had also lost, so Timperley still lead the division by 10 points with six games to play.

They will look to return to winning ways when they host third-placed Chester Boughton Hall at Stockport Road on Saturday from 12.30pm.