This weekend followed a similar pattern to the last; a rain affected Saturday of Men’s Cricket followed by a resounding Women’s triumph on the Sunday! The Men’s 1st XI went away to lowly Tring Park, lost the toss and were asked to bat. Michael Beard (50) opened with another half-century before being forced to retire, and alongside Farid Butt (47) put on 88 for the 1st wicket. The lower order picked up the pace, and led by Dinushka Malan (52*) were able to declare on 255-6. Malan then performed with the ball taking 2-22, but the rain was the winner as the game ended in a draw with Tring on 88-2. The Meadowmen stay 5th and host 8th placed Amersham next week.
Thame 2s hosted Westcott, and were also asked to bat after losing the toss. Richard Carr opened with 52, but struggled for partners before Josh Towell (44) came to the crease. Strong then took Thame’s last 6 wickets, ending the innings on 165 in the 47th over. Chairman Pete Tervet (2-24) and Robbie Jackson (2-22) opened to great effect, backed up by star performer Towell (3-42), to have Westcott in trouble at 85-7. But, from there, an impressive 8th wicket partnership took Westcott to an unlikely victory. The 2nd XI fall to bottom of the league and travel to 2nd from bottom Stokenchurch next, in a must-win match.
The 3s won the toss and batted, away at Dinton 2. Guy Holmes (37*) starred with the bat but lost many partners at the other end, including 5 ducks in a row, as Thame were 96 all out from 31 overs. Defending a small total, youngster Toby Borgnis added another wicket to his collection, but the team could only manage 3 in total, as Dinton claimed victory in the 20th over. Winless at the bottom, the 3s face 2nd bottom Brackley 2 at home next in a vital clash.
Thame 4s hosted Dinton 3, won the toss and bowled. Max Shayler got Thame off to a great start with 2-8 from 8 overs, as Dinton’s top 4 all perished for single figures. Shay Reading (3-32) again did well with the ball, accompanied by Fred Neighbour (2-35), as the visitors reached a slow 127-9. In response, Thame’s top 3 all got starts, but at 8 wickets down the match was in the balance. Father-son combo Jem Shayler (44*) and Max held their nerve, seeing Thame home for the first win of the season. Unbeaten in 3, the 4s move up to 8th and travel to local rivals Tiddington 3 next.
On the Sunday, Thame Women hosted Oxford at Church Meadow, lost the toss and bowled. Harshani Malan (4-7 from 5.5 overs) did the damage, opening alongside Eli Dey (2-25). Vicky Shaw added a runout, as Oxford were skittled for just 75. Captain Sarah Sanderson (41) and Catherine Hawkes (33) then opened the batting for Thame and went along at over a run-a-ball, to see Thame home impressively by 10 wickets. Top of the table after 2 matches, Thame travel to Deddington next week.
