Back-to-back wins for 1st XI
Thame 1st XI made it back-to-back wins with a strong performance at home against Wokingham. Bowling first, Thame’s opening bowlers Faisal Ali (3-18) and Jo Van Dyk (2-33) produced superb spells to reduce Wokingham to 8-3 and then 32-5. On a good wicket, Wokingham rebuilt steadily, eventually setting a below par 167. Any concerns over the run chase appeared to have been dismissed as Thame openers Mike Beard (41) and Ollie Burland (32) reached 74-0 off just 11 overs, but their dismissals prompted a collapse to 109-4. With wickets continuing to tumble, Callum Russell was left to steer his side home with a well controlled 31*, Thame reaching their target for the loss of 6 wickets with 17 overs to spare. Thame host Oxford Downs this Saturday.
2nd XI make it 3-from-3 despite collapse at Great Brickhill
The 2nd XI travelled to Great Brickhill and got off to a bad start, collapsing to 43-6. Richard Carr came to the rescue with a fantastic century (101), with support from Cian Cooper-Davies (25) and Alastair Thomas (42*), achieving a defendable total of 219. In reply, Great Brickhill got off to a quick start and were always ahead of the run-rate. Each of Thame's bowlers took wickets, however, with Jonathon Jelfs (3-51), Alastair Thomas (2-46) and Rob Johnson (2-31) the pick of them. In a tense finish, late wickets fell and Great Brickhill were bowled out 8 runs short. The 2nd XI seek to build on this perfect start to the season this Saturday, away to Stokenchurch 1sts.
3rd XI bowlers set up a 9-wicket mauling of Stokenchurch away from home.
Against Stokenchurch 2nds, Thame 3rds chose to bowl and Rob Tomlin (1-19) and Nick Humphries (3-23) applied early pressure. Luke Hayes (2-10) then took a wicket with his first ball and later dismissing the only real threat (opener Ali). Humphries was then rewarded for his effrots with 3 wickets in 4 balls. It was left to Ian McStay to finish off the Stokenchurch innings (76 all out) by taking a hat-trick with his first 3 balls. Thame's openers Andy Jinman (36*) and Manil Subsesinghe (36) put on 75 for the first wicket, with Pete Higson coming in to see vicotury by 9 wickets. Thame 3rds next play at home against Long Marston 3rds.
4ths succumb to Kingston Bagpuize 2nds
Thame 4ths hosted Kingston Bagpuize 2 and, batting first, they started well before a flurry of wickets spelt trouble. However, an excellent knock from Dan Hart (36*) saw Thame reach a respectable 105 all out. When the visitors batted, a few early wickets from Ed Mather (3-30) and Shay Reading gave Thame hope of an unlikely victory. Kingston Bagpuize's opener, Stuart Edwards (37*), proved impossible to shift, giving them victory for the loss of just 4 wickets. This Saturday Thame play away against Kimble 2nds.
Junior cricket
On the junior scene, Thame's Under-13s and Under-15s continued their winning ways against Waddesdon and Stewkley respectively.
