1sts inflict heavy defeat on Shipton
Thame 1st XI produced another dominant performance to brush aside Shipton-under-Wychwood at the weekend. After winning the toss and batting, Shipton were in trouble early as a fine opening spell from Will Rooney (pictured above) reduced them to 23-2. A 70-run partnership then put the game in the balance, but a tight bowling performance kept Thame in control. Hassam Mushtaq struck to remove Sanklecha and the innings folded thereafter, with Rooney returning to dismantle the tail, finishing with figures of 4-13. Shipton were all out for just 167.
In reply, Thame lost both openers quickly. Will Sutcliffe, however, continued his fine early-season form as he took the offensive, aided by a fluent 53 from overseas-player Kanishka. Sutcliffe blazed his way to 69, before falling with the end in sight. Beard and Higgs then saw Thame over the line for the loss of just 4 wickets in 35 overs.
Thame currently sit 4th in the Home Counties Premier League (Div 2) and entertain Harefield at Church Meadow this Saturday 10th.
2nds narrowly miss out on first win
In their first match against another second team, Thame 2nd XI welcomed Shipton-under-Wychwood 2nd XI. Shipton reached 229 from their allotted 53 overs, with strong batting performances from Ian Harris (64) and skipper Paul Hemming (67*). The pick of the home bowlers was new seam bowler Matt Ridgway (11-1-53-3).
In reply, Thame got off to a strong start, with James Nielsen (69, pictured left) looking particularly impressive. Although Thame maintained wickets in hand, they fell behind the run rate in the middle overs. This led them to fall just short of Shipton’s total, reaching 221 for 8 off their allotted 47 overs and therefore forcing a draw.
Thame travel to play Tiddington 2nd XI this Saturday.
First win of the season for the 3rds
Thame 3rds completed their first win of the season, by 15 runs, over Challow & Childrey 3rds at home. Put into bat, Thame started well with a 50-run partnership between Ian Chappell (29) and Andy Jinman (29). Once this partnership was broken, however, 3 quick wickets fell for just 4 runs. To the rescue came Paddy Harris (36) and hard-hitting Pete Higson (28*), allowing the hosts to post a competitive 161.
In reply, the visitors were soon reduced to 24 for 4, thanks to the accuracy of John Phippen (2 for 18) and the swing of Ed Mather (4 for 46, pictured right) but C&C fought back. One of the C&C youngsters was hitting the ball so well that he threatened to take the game away from Thame, until he lofted a shot high towards the long-off boundary. Sadly for him, he did not realise how many hours had been spent on the basketball court by a certain Thame stalwart, John Phippen. Even though the ball appeared to have cleared the back-peddling JP, at the last moment he thrust one hand skywards and, to the delight of his team-mates and the sheer incredulity of the victim, JP caught the ball with apparent ease and proceeded to run a mini lap-of-honour, in celebration! Hales (48), Gregory and Hill threatened to overhaul Thame, but tight bowling at the end from Vim Desai (3 for 31) and Ian McStay (1 for 43) saw Thame home, earning 25 points.
This Saturday they travel to play Stokenchurch 2nds.
Lastly, it was another good weekend for Thame’s Under-11 team, who beat Oxford CC’s Under-11s by 70 runs (131 to 61), with standout batting from McIntyre, Copley, Muncaster and Cayley.
