Weekly Cricket Roundup – Sun Shines on Undefeated Weekend

On the hottest weekend of the year so far, Thame welcomed their overseas pro, Dinushka Malan, who made his debut as the 1st XI hosted Henley. Thame chose to bowl, but strong partnerships for the first 2 wickets put Henley on top. Will Rooney (3-67), and Malan‘s 1st wicket for the club helped Thame try to rally, but Henley declared on 303-6 after 61 overs. At a worrying 87-6 in reply, Hassam Mushtaq (50*) and Bishal Bidduth (29*) came together to help salvage a draw on 167-6.

The 2s travelled up to Stokenchurch. Bowling first, Stokenchurch reached 150-4 before collapsing to 187 all out – young Luke Hayes (5-32) took his first senior five-for, with Greg Jenkins taking 3-25. Christian Warwick (36) helped Thame to 91-4, where Ben Warwick (72*) and Jenkins (31*) combined for their match-winning partnership, to put Thame 2nd in the league.

The 3rd XI took on Marcham. Thame bowled first, and once again put in a superb performance – Nick Humphries (5-22) continued his top form, with 2 for Rob Tomlin, as Marcham fell to 98 all out. Alex Tervet (33) led from the front, as the 3s won comfortably by 7 wickets in 25 overs, to stay 2nd.

Thame 4s hosted Tiddington 3 at Lord Williams’. Winning the toss, Thame bowled and were relatively happy with Tiddington at 81-4 – Pete Tervet taking 2 wickets. However, an unbeaten 147-run partnership pushed the visitors up to 228-4 from their 45 overs. Struggling to mount a match-winning chase, Tervet then struck 51 to help Thame save the draw at 166-7.

Thame Women hit the road to Binfield, seeking to build on 2 wins from 2 in the Home Counties League. Batting first, Megan Bennett (16) top-scored in a tough innings for Thame, as generous extras helped them post 86-9 from the 30 overs. Defending a low score, Zara Wyatt (3-6) and Leanne Harris (3-10) opened the bowling brilliantly for Thame, helping to skittle Binfield for just 29. Thame sit 2nd, joint on points with leaders Falkland, who they play next week.