Tim hits maiden ton – aged 63!

Tim Tilbrook scored his maiden century at the age of 63 for Grimston against Bircham in Division 4 West of the Norfolk Cricket League on Saturday.Having won the toss and elected to bat, Grimston made a disastrous start with Josh Leverett-King was dismissed within three balls by Eddie Marsh.At the other end Tilbrook took a measured approach and began to increase the run-rate alongside debutant wicketkeeper Mark Pickering. When Pickering fell for 22, Grimston were 40-2 and below-par in the conditions.A succession of batters came and went with no-one reaching double figures to support Pickering until Bhathathi Krishnan came to the crease with the score 120-9.The duo put on a magnificent final-wicket partnership of 80 with Krishnan making 28 not out. There were scenes of jubilation as Tilbrook scored his maiden ton but he was dismissed for exactly 100, with 11 fours from 129 balls, as Grimston were all out for 200.Bircham had a mountain to climb on a Grimston pitch which traditionally favours the bowlers. Alex Marsh and Dean Studd made a decent start but the wickets started to tumble as the scoreboard pressure began to build.Liam Woodcock unleashed a devastating spell of bowling, taking 5-21 in overs, with Frosty picking up 3-10 in support as Grimston were bowled out for just 65. Grimston captain Andrew Tilbrook was delighted for dad Tim’s maiden ton and said: “He seems to keep getting better with age, we are all desperate to see how many he can score for the rest of the season!” Grimston’s Sunday side were in Mid-Norfolk Sunday League Division 1 action, needing a win against Long Sutton to keep their promotion dream on track.Long Sutton, who beat leaders Thornham, won the toss and chose to bat with opener Paul Rushden and Luke Barwell putting on 37 in the first 10 overs.Miles Harris trapped Rushden leg before, the first of four wickets as Long Sutton struggled with his variations of line and length. Harold Cresswell (26) and Arjun Odera (11) added to the Long Sutton total, with Barwell eventually out for 38 as they were bowled out for 126 in 38 overs.Grimston opened with season top-scorers Mark Tilbrook and Mark Pickering but a destructive opening spell from bowler Steven Milnes saw them both dismissed for just four runs. Sam Adkin (11) steadied the ship and Liam Burt made 19 not out but it was Dave Persey’s 55 not out that proved the key as he helped Grimston over the line in the 33rd over.The victory puts Grimston top with one game to go – a winner-takes-all promotion showdown against Thornham on Sunday.