Born On This Day: 17th December

Brian Timms was born in Ropley, on this day in 1940. As a young man, wicket-keeper Timms served an ‘apprenticeship’ with Leo Harrison who he was destined to succeed in the early 1960s.

At 18, he played for Hampshire in the first year of the 2^nd XI Championship in 1959, and in two first-class matches against the two University sides. Harrison was injured in 1960, and Timms played in 17 county matches with 38 dismissals and 224 runs. In 1961, as Hampshire chased their first title he came into the side again to cover injury, and there were six matches in 1962, before Harrison retired.

For six seasons Timms was Hampshire’s wicketkeeper. In 208 first-class matches for the county, Timms scored 3,236 runs at 15.70 and dismissed 462 batsmen (60 stumped) – in 1964 his six victims in an innings v Leicestershire at Portsmouth equalled the then Hampshire record. Although still only 28, he decided to retire before the 1969 season to concentrate on business, although Warwickshire approached him to cover for AC Smith when absent on duty as a Test selector.

He did not join their staff or play 2^nd XI cricket for them, but for three years played in 24 first-class and seven limited-overs matches. He is a Hampshire Vice-President and regularly attends matches at the The Ageas Bowl.

Also today: James Bruce (2003-2007), Bertram Evans (1900-1909), and the twin brothers Gilbert Spencer-Smith who played in our first year as a county club, 1864, and Rev Orlando Spencer-Smith, who played once for Hampshire in 1866.