1st XI chased down in tough season opener
Thame 1s started their Home Counties Premier 2 campaign with a 6 wickets defeat at home to Burnham.
After losing the toss and being inserted on a difficult wicket, Thame lost early wickets. Tom Bamford (37) and James Adams (39, pictured below) got the innings back on course, but with a score in excess of 200 seemingly in reach, the lower order folded to an under par 180 all out.
In reply, new opening bowlers Faisal Ali and Devane Warner started well and picked up a couple of early wickets. However, a near chance-less innings from Burnham’s Raza Ali Dar (76*) saw his side home with 4 overs to spare.
Thame travel to Cookham Dean next weekend.
Warwick bats 2s to victory in first Div 3 game
The newly promoted 2nd XI travelled to play Horley 1st XI. Thame lost the toss and elected to bowl first.
Opening bowlers, Liam Evans (1-27) and Ben Warwick (1-28), kept down Horley’s run rate. Spin twins Dan Patey (4-30) and Alastair Thomas (4-26) then ripped through Horley, leaving them on 175.
In response, a strong partnership from top order batsmen Matt Furness (49) and Christian Warwick (87*, pictured below) meant that Thame easily chased down Horley’s total with 8 wickets remaining.
The 2nd XI welcome Banbury to the Meadow next week, seeking to build on this strong start to the season.
3rd XI come out on top in topsy-turvy encounter
The 3s started Division 8 with a trip to Challow & Childrey, and losing the toss were put into bat.
Thame started comfortably without loss, before a spell of 6-18 from Betts pegged Thame back. At 70-8, Neil Smith (31*) and Ian McStay (31, pictured below) came together and led Thame through the crisis, to a competitive 153-9 – McStay out last ball.
After a great tea, Luke Hayes (1-17) and Pete Tervet (1-20) started brilliantly, and in the new win-lose format put Thame in command. Nick Humphries (3-32), Neil Smith (2-23) and a direct hit run out by Hayes took out the middle order, putting Challow in a similar position to Thame. Another good 9th wicket partnership had Thame worried, before McStay took the final 2 wickets – Challow all out for 123.
The 3s host Brackley 2 next week.
4s defeated by strong Cumnor side
Newly promoted 4s ventured into Division 9 with a home game versus league favourites Cumnor 3s.
Thame won the toss and elected to put the visitors into bat and keep the runs to a minimum with tight bowling from Rob Kenny (9 runs off 6 overs) and Spindler with eventual figures of 3-17. Cumnor doggedly dug in on a ‘not so friendly batting strip’ to reach a total off 144. A good day in the field for Thame with other notable figures for Danny Thompson 2-17 and Taylor Vines 2-27.
Thame ultimately found the batting chase a tough task with Charlie Anderson showing the only key resistance against a quality Cumnor seam attack. Charlie knocking up an excellent 34 runs – not bad for his first game in 33 years! Thame ended up on 77 all out, losing the first win/lose game of the season, but bagging a respectable 8 points to get them off the mark in Div 9.
Next week 4s are on the road to Cropredy.
Tough 2nd outing in Women’s Super 8s
Thame Women travelled to Oxford for the 2nd of the Super 8 tournaments.
In the first match, Thame were put into bat by Charlbury, who proved a strong and consistent bowling side. Thame did well to achieve 230, Sarah Sanderson (12) managing Thame’s best effort. Thame settled in and produced some solid bowling with captain Bridget Cooper taking 2 wickets supported by Mel White, Claire Morris and Sarah Sanderson with 1 each. The fielding highlight was a spectacular forward diving one handed catch by Mags Lightbody. Charlbury went on to score 270.
In the 2nd match, Thame won the toss and elected to field. A good consistent performance by all the bowlers including a wicket for Mel White held Oxford to 295. Batting again, Thame dug in against an excellent bowling side and achieved a solid 245, with Mags leading the way with 13. Two tough opponents for Thame but some great performances nevertheless.
Holmes Hundred in Friendly vs Oxford Hospitals
A glorious sunny day at Thame Meadows welcomed the visit of Oxford Hospitals CC for a Sunday friendly match vs a Thame XI.
OHCC won the toss and elected to bat, and bat they did, amassing a big 327 off their 40 overs. Quality batting from Talbot (85), Halfhead (51) and Chowdhry (88) on a quality batting track. Notible tight bowling from Pete McDermott 1-28 off 7 overs and Beth John 1-39 off 6.
The response was led by Thames regular ‘Big Hitter’ Guy Holmes with a mighty 105 runs and only halted by a mix up and subsequent run out. Good batting support from Tim East (23) and Taylor Vines (25) but OHCC total was a considerable step too far. Thame eventually all out for a very respectable 191.
