1st XI beaten heavily at Rowant
The 1s travelled to Aston Rowant, looking to get their season back on track, versus a side they beat last year and were promoted with. Rowant won the toss, and put Thame into bat. In a poor display, Thame were skittled for just 59, with Callum Russell’s 18 not out the top score.
Rowant chased down the target without losing a wicket, condemning Thame to a bonus point-less defeat. Thame welcome Oxford to Church Meadow next week.
Lachlan 7 for leads 2s to thumping win and top spot
Thame 2nd XI welcomed Abingdon Vale 2 to Church Meadow. Losing the toss and being asked to bowl, Thame always looked firmly on top with devastating opening spells from Sam Lachlan (7-41) and Matt Ridgway (3-17), leaving Abingdon all out for only 73 runs.
In response, openers Christian Warwick (28) and Harry Thomas (32*) ensured a comfortable 9 wicket win for Thame.
This victory means that Thame are now sitting pretty at the top of the league, and face Tiddington 2 away next week.
3s defeated as batting falls short
Thame 3rds travelled to Stokenchurch 2s, starting a pivotal run of fixtures in the quest for promotion. Thame won the toss, and chose to bowl. An early breakthrough from Will Bruce-Morgan (1-33) got Thame off to a flyer, before a swift 90 partnership put the hosts on top. Ian McStay (3-39, pictured below), Vim Desai (1-18) and Tim Hester (1-42) slowed things up and kept a lid on the score – Stokenchurch ended on 188-6.
In reply, Thame slumped to 63-6, with only Andy Jinman (36) getting a start in the top order. From there, Tim Hester (39) and Paddy Harris (26*) gave Thame hope, but once Hester departed Thame fell to 137 all out – youngster Jack Springett taking a 5for.
The 3rd XI host Bletchley Town 2 next week.
4s batting collapse leads to defeat
On a barmy summer’s day, the Thame 4s decamped to the Dinton ground to play a home game away from home – due to an event taking place at Lord Bill’s, which ruled out the usual pitch. On confronting the rolling crease, and hummocky outfield, Thame knew they would need to be sharp to post a respectable score. On losing the toss, Thame were put into bat and after a nervy beginning, combined with some excellent Dinton bowling – Dominic O’Sullivan 7-31 – soon found themselves at an alarming 3-3. However, the batsmen rallied and Ben Ward (15) and John Phippen (36) managed to heave the 4s to 94 all out; which – on a dubious pitch – looked like something worthy to defend.
However, Dinton, clearly accustomed to playing on their pitch batted more comfortably than Thame, and despite wickets from Max Muncaster and John Phippen – who bowled incredibly economically and effectively (and deservedly won man-of-the match) – Dinton reached 95-2 after 16 overs to claim the win.
The 4s next play away to Abingdon Vale 4s, in a mouth-watering mid-table clash.
