The penultimate weekend of the Men’s League Season and plenty to play for, for our sides. The 1st XI took on Tring Park at Church Meadow, lost the toss and batted. Thame’s innings was in the balance at 110-4; from there, skipper Hassam Mushtaq (68) and an unbeaten partnership of 121 between Dinushka Malan (65*) and Alex Browne (57*) smashed Thame up to 283-5 from the 50 overs. In the chase, already relegated Tring Park’s batters made starts, but could not put together strong enough partnerships as they fell to 192 all out – Mushtaq, Shaz Ul Haq and a returning Kelvin Burrows all took 2 wickets apiece. With this important victory, Thame have secured Division 2 status for next season! Now 7th, the 1s finish the season away to 8th placed Amersham, with the chance to rise several league places at the finish.
Thame 2s faced Westcott away, needing a miracle to finish anywhere other than 9th. Thame won the toss, bowled and got early breakthroughs thanks to Ben Warwick (2-23). A 4th wicket partnership of 76 helped Westcott build, but Thame continued to take wickets particularly through Skipper Robbie Jackson (3-37), as the hosts finished on 194-9 from 50 overs. It was then a day to forget for Thame with the bat, as Westcotts opening bowlers took 7 wickets between them and Thame fell to 61 all out. A tough season for a largely depleted 2nd XI, and a guarenteed 9th placed finish, means they will likely be in Division 4 next season. The 2s host bottom side Stokenchurch on the last weekend.
Thame 3rds hosted Dinton 2, won the toss and batted. It was a struggle again with the bat, as only 2 batters reached double figures, ending all out for 67 in the 27th over. Dinton then went for it from the off and smashed their way to the target without the loss of a wicket, as they remain in the hunt for promotion. A season to forget for the 3s after promotion last year and the loss of so many key players over the off-season, but a final chance for a win comes away to 7th-placed Brackley 2 next weekend.
The 4s also played Dinton, taking on their 3rd XI away, losing the toss and bowling. Dinton’s top order built a firm base, but from there their last 7 batters mustered only 19 runs between them as Trevor Spindler (2-9), Shay Reading, Tim Airstone and Ammar Chaudhury all took 2 wickets each. Dinton were able top post 151, and in response Thame lost early wickets and never recovered. Airstone‘s 13* was the best effort, as the 9 men finished 99 runs short. The loss brings Dinton 3 to within 10 points of 8th-placed Thame, with the chance to guarantee 8th in Division 7A on the line next week. The 4s host 7th placed Tiddington 3 to round off the season.
Next weekend sees Thame Women, Champions of the Home Counties Premier Division 2 South, take on Division 2 North Champions, Hitchin, at Church Meadow. This is the first promotion playoff, and the winner will face St. Albans from Division 1 for a place in the top division the following week. Support on the day is very much welcomed!
