Weekly Cricket Roundup – 2nd XI win to go top of Division 3!

Despite the bad forecast, pings, injuries and holidays, 6 Thame XIs took to the field, looking to build on last week’s unbeaten weekend. Thame 1st XI faced local rivals Aston Rowant, away. After being asked to bat, Mike Beard (51) and Callum Russell (44) set the innings up nicely. But, at 108-3, Thame dramatically collapsed to 121 all out. Early wickets and Dinushka Malan (3-26) with Kelvin Burrows (2-32) put Thame in the game, but sadly could not prevent the loss by 4 wickets.

The 2nd XI hosted Horley, and chose to bowl. Wickets fell at regular intervals, led by Greg Jenkins (4-42) and Jonathon Jelfs (3-46), as Horley were all out for 151. In reply, opener Matt Furness (52) combined with Christian Warwick (32) for a partnership of 61 to take Thame a bulk of the way to a 5-wicket win in the 34th over. With this win, Thame 2s top Division 3!

Clifton Hampden came to face the 3s at Lord Williams’. Thame chose to bowl, but it was a tough day at the office as injuries and big-hitting meant the visitors were able to declare on 235-5 – Vimal Desai took 3-32 late on. The day went from bad to worse as 6 ducks saw Thame fall to 68 all out – Guy Holmes‘ defiant 34 the only bright spark.

The 4s travelled to a strong Kimble, and bowled after losing the toss. Trevor Spindler (3-50) again shone, but a 134 partnership for the 4th wicket helped Kimble post 245-7 – Rob Tomlin and Rob Kenny chipped in with 2 wickets each. Tim Dabbs (47) and Charlie Anderson (43*) dug in and helped Thame to a draw at 132-3, to go 5 matches unbeaten.

Thame’s Women hosted Falkland in a top-of-the-table clash, on the Sunday. Falkland’s Holly Rider struck 100* from 88 balls as the visitors hit 209-2 from their 30 overs. Ava Gabriele and Megs Woodward picked up the wickets. Thame’s chase never got going against excellent bowling – Woodward‘s 16 was the highest-scoring effort as Thame were skittled for 65.

Thame Saxons faced Oxford University Club. Danny Thompson (3-20) and 2 wickets each for Rob Tomlin and Tim Airstone were the highlights as OUCCC posted 167-8 off 35. Rafe Dickie (56) and Josh Towell (36) set up a close finish, but the Saxons couldn’t quite reach the target, ending 3 runs short.