Thame 1st XI began the timed format part of the season with a home fixture against Harefield, a side relegated from Premier 1 in the season before. Upon winning the toss, Thame skipper Beard had no hesitation in batting first and, despite the early loss of the in-form Will Sutcliffe, Callum Russell and Gami Kanishka began to build a strong partnership. A strong Harefield bowling attack had no answer to the pair, as Thame raced along to 170-1 at lunch. Russell fell shortly after the break for a fine 63, but Kanishka (pictured above) went through to a brilliant 100 – his second of the league campaign. After he fell however, the innings stuttered slightly and Thame were indebted to Jimmy Adams and Adam Phippen for some strong late hitting to post a highly competitive 265-8 off their 58 overs.
In reply, Harefield showed very little intent in chasing the target with both openers seemingly content to just survive against the new ball. Thame turned to spin and enjoyed success, Phippen putting victory within sight with 3 quick wickets. Despite a fine spell of leg-spin from Hassam Mushtaq, Harefield managed to hold on for a draw, eventually finishing on 186-7 from 55 overs.
Thame sit 4th in Home Counties Premier 2 and travel to high flying Chesham next week.
2nd XI claim first victory of the season
Looking for their first win of the season, Thame 2nd XI made the short trip to play away against Tiddington’s 2nd XI. Batting first, Thame lost both openers early on. However, Skipper Matt Furness (47) anchored the innings with help from Guy Holmes (24), Ben Warwick (19) and Christian Warwick (25). Then, coming in at 8, Matt Ridgway (60, pictured below) scored an explosive half-century to propel Thame up to 226.
Tiddington got off to a strong start with quick runs coming from John Mackie (36) and Jeff Higgs (38). However, opening bowlers Chris Jeffcock (2-59) and Matt Ridgway (1-17) removed Tiddington’s top order to slow the batting side’s momentum. Ali Thomas (5-46) and Chris Penny (27-2) then ripped through the rest of Tiddington’s batting line up, leading them to fall short of Thame’s total by 72 runs.
The 2nd XI play against Horspath at home next week.
Two wins in a row for 3rd XI
Thame 3’s convincingly beat Stokenchurch by 6 wickets chasing down 96 in just 21 overs. Having won the toss skipper Vim Desai put Stokenchurch into bat which proved to be a good decision as opening bowlers Pete Tervet (2-30) and John Phippen (2-12) reduced the home side to 17-3 after just 10 overs which included a very sharp catch by Ian Chappell. With 2 dangerous batsmen back in the Pavilion, there was no let up for Stokenchurch as the first bowling change brought immediate wickets for Nicholas Fuller (3-17). Rob Tomlin (2-20) also got into the action and managed to force an error from the well set M. C. Taylor (29) who was well caught by Matt Swain. Ed Mather then finished off the innings with his first delivery of the match.
In reply, Ian Chappell and Vim started cautiously putting on 26 in the first 12 overs before Evan Davies (pictured right) accelerated the innings with a quick fire 36 ensuring the total of 96 was never going to be a problem. The away victory means Thame 3’s leapfrog Stokenchurch and climb to 3rd in the table.
Thame next play at home against Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts.
