Weekly Cricket Roundup – Draw Galore on Frustrating Rainy Weekend

4 Men’s teams on Saturday, and the Women’s team on Sunday, all battled the rain with varying success! The 1st XI went to Finchampstead, and bowling first made early inroads with Dinushka Malan (3-49), before a 150 partnership helped the hosts to 266-6. Will Sutcliffe opened with 41, but Thame were on the ropes at 115-9 before rain saved the draw.

The 2nd XI hosted Witney Mills, and at 40-3 chasing 148, the nicely poised match was ended by rain – Mike Higgs took 4-18 for The Meadowmen, as they stay top of Division 3. Thame 3s were in a strong position having posted 176 versus Dorchester – Justin Avery (70) leading the way. Pete Higson (2-28) and Rob Tomlin (2-14) bowled 28 economical overs, but the match was rained off as a draw with 3 overs to go and Dorchester 78-6.

Thame 4s travelled to a damp Long Marston 3. The hosts were put in and reached 87-0, before Zach Harris (4-24) and Danny Thompson (3-19) turned the tide – Harris taking a superb one-handed caught and bowled. Martin Wiles also took a great catch and 2-17, to have them 137 all out. Rain delays took time out the game, and Thame stuttered to 40-3. Debutant youngster Josh Towell then starred with a fluent 70*, in a 70* partnership with Joe Phippen, as Thame batted their way to a fruitful draw and a 6th game unbeaten.

Thame Women hosted Wargrave at Church Meadow, looking to get back to winning ways. Bowling first, Leanne Harris (3-16) and Zara Wyatt (2-22) again impressed from the off, as wickets fell regularly. Megs Woodward (3-4) then cleaned up the tail, skittling Wargrave for 97. Thame’s reply started poorly at 0-2, and at 28-5 victory seemed distant. Mel White (22) and Grace Czakan (21) then combined to give Thame hope, but runouts scuppered the chase and Thame agonisingly fell 4 runs short.