Timms was the key figure in the Gators’ thrashing of Brierly-Christ Church at Brierly Recreation Reserve, snaring his second five-wicket haul in two rounds.

He tore through the top order en route to figures of 6-20 as the Bulls collapsed to be all out for 97, well short of the Gators’ 6-327 the previous weekend.

Allansford enforced the follow-on, chasing an outright win. But Karan Patel (68 not out) and Nathan Murphy (61 not out) stymied their efforts.

Timms, who took 5-15 against Merrivale last round, said he and Boyd were currently bowling “pretty well” in a partnership.

“He was interviewed a week ago saying he was getting a few wickets and I was bowling tight at the other end,” he said.

“It’s pretty much the reverse of that now. He’s been very unlucky in a couple of games but he’s not going for many runs.

“It leaves me to attack the stumps a bit more. Obviously things are going my way at the moment.”

Timms said Boyd, who will line up for Victoria Country at Bendigo next month, had been valuable in helping him add more dimensions to his bowling.

“A few weeks ago I got attacked a bit by a bloke from Port Fairy, took 1-74 from nine overs. I realised I had to get more tricks to my armour,” he said.

“If someone is going to start attacking you, you can’t keep bowling the same ball at them every ball. With Boydy at training, we’re trying to work on a few things to make sure that doesn’t happen. He’s a knowledgeable and experienced cricketer. I’ve only been bowling for two or three years. I was a wicketkeeper when I was a junior. I’ve never really been taught the ins and outs of it, I suppose.”

Allansford maintained its spot on top of the WDCA Hopkins conference courtesy of the win. It has 26 points, six clear of Dennington.

Dennington held on to second thanks to a well-timed run chase which helped it to a three-wicket win against Merrivale at Merrivale Recreation Reserve.

Josh Squires (70 not out) and Jamie Fogarty (20 not out) combined in an unbroken 64-run stand which lifted them to 7-189 and past the Tigers’ 174.

Teenage opener Nick King also continued his breakout season with 57. But his dismissal left the visitors, missing Dustin Drew, in trouble at 7-125.

And a Jason Mungean hat-trick wasn’t enough to prevent Nestles from claiming victory against Nirranda. Mungean removed Lachlan O’Neill (0), Matt Price (0) and Brett Eldridge (16) in consecutive deliveries across two overs at Reid Oval. The Factory was cruising at 3-92 in pursuit of the Knights’ 96 but lost 6-8 to stumble over the line. Mungean finished with 4-32 off 30 overs.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au