26th June 2024
On one of the warmest weekends so far this summer, the 1st XI hosted Slough at Church Meadow. Thame opted to bowl, but Slough’s batters all contributed to build a big score. Wickets were shared around with Ubaid Kiani taking 2-32 late on, as Slough declared on 313-8, giving them 2 extra overs to try bowl Thame out. Thame then slumped to 68-5. Farid Butt (24) and Jonathon Jelfs (21) batted doggedly, the later surviving 47 overs, as Thame salvaged a 7-point draw at 121-7. Thame are at the foot of the table, with returning Skipper Hassam Mushtaq leading the team to mid-table Buckingham next.
During the week, the 1st XI got their T20 Cup campaign started away to Aston Rowant. Thame posted 137, Captain Jelfs hitting 60 from 49 balls. Rowant reached the target with 4 overs to spare.
The 2nd XI went down the road to Chearsley and chose to bowl. Archie Gardner (4-68) and Pete Tervet (2-55) led from the front as Thame chipped away at the wickets. A 48 partnership for the 7th wicket frustrated Thame and pushed Chearsley up to 221-8. Thame lost most of the top order cheaply, but a superb 97 from Christian Warwick helped steer Thame away from danger, finishing on 173-6 for a 10-point draw. The 2s sit 5th and host 7th Westbury 2 next.
The 3rd XI took the long trip to Wolverton and decided to bowl. Nick Humphries (7-38) bowled a memorable spell, opening alongside Zara Wyatt (2-15). With some good catching, the hosts were skittled for just 60 on a difficult pitch. Charlie Anderson (16) opened and was the only batter to reach double figures in the whole match. After his and other controversial dismissals, the innings fell disappointingly to 48 all out, with Sohail Ali taking 8-14. Bottom of the league, Thame desperately need a win at home to 6th Bledlow Ridge 2 next.
The 4s hosted Long Marston 3 and also chose to bowl. Ed Mather (4-30) put Thame on top at 64-6 before a lower order fightback. Will Littlewood took (2-28) later on as Long Marston declared on 137-7. David Nieman (53) and Paddy Harris (39) set Thame off with 74 for the first wicket, but wickets fell regularly and scuppered the chase thereafter with there eventually not being quite enough balls left to get over the line on 133-6. Taking a healthy 14 points and sitting 8th, the 4s go to leaders Great Brickhill 4 next.
On Sunday, Thame’s Women hosted Berkhamsted in the 2nd league game, and chose to bowl. Harshi Malan (2-6) and Charlotte Harvey (2-32) helped Thame get off to a superb start. Megs Woodward (2-7) helped have the visitors struggling at 78-7. The tail wagged, but Leanne Harris spun 2-13 to have Berkhamsted 130 all out. Malan (73*) led from the front in a 102 partnership with Woodward (33) to take Thame most of the way to an 8 wicket victory! Thame move up to 3rd and face 2nd-placed unbeaten Moreton next.
On Wednesday (26th) The Saxons take on our sponsors J Bennett Insurance Brokers in a T20 at Church Meadow!
