1st XI slip to narrow 9 run defeat at Oxford
The 1st XI travelled to face Oxford, on Saturday. After losing the toss and being asked to field, a disciplined bowling display kept Oxford’s batsman under control for large periods. With wickets in hand however, Oxford were able to accelerate in the last 10 overs to reach a challenging 199-6, Hassam Mushtaq the pick of the bowling with 2-34.
On a wicket starting to take spin, Thame got off to a strong start, reaching 54 for the first wicket in good time. However, Thame’s batting frailties were exposed once more as some ill disciplined stroke play saw Thame collapse to 80-5. Devane Warner struck a fine 51 not out to drive Thame back into contention, but ultimately he couldn’t pull Thame to the 14 required off the final over.
Thame slip to second in the table, and host Dinton on Saturday.
2s pick up much-needed victory
With both teams sitting mid-table, this was a big “50 pointer”, with the 2’s facing Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts at Church Meadow. Thame won the toss and chose to field, and tight bowling from Chris Jeffcock (7 opening overs for 20 runs), and good fielding, allowed Dan Patey (4-19, pictured below) and Liam Evans (3-23) to sweep up the wickets, with Nondies ending up with 1 batting point for their 112 all out.
In their reply, Richard Carr (32) and Harry Thomas (43*) put on 68 for the first wicket, before Carr fell to an excellent catch, leaving Matt Furness (18*) to join the party and help knock off the remaining runs in 21 overs, and a 25 point win.
The 2’s need another win to secure their place in Division 3 for next season, and travel to face Oxford Downs 2 next week.
One more win needed for 3s
The 3s visited Bletchley 2s and winning the toss, inserted Brackley into bat on a good track, albeit with leaves on the outfield. Thame made early inroads thanks to Ollie Chaplin (2-26), reducing the opposition to 18-2 off 7 overs. However, the in-form Ahmed (75) then started to cut lose. Pete Tervet (2-21) and Tim Hester (4-33) were introduced, Hester taking a superb caught and bowled to remove the dangerous Ahmed – 1 of 4 of his catches, including the catch of the day at deep long on off the bowling of Ian McStay (1-19). Bletchley set a competitive 161, all out.
In reply, the Thame openers started cautiously. Paddy Harris (16) was the first to be dismissed, after hitting a few boundaries. Wickets fell at regular intervals including the unfortunate run out of a disappointed Max Muncaster who was thus denied from showing his potential. It was left for the villain ofthe run-out, Rafe Dickie (71) to anchor the innings, supported by some late hitting by James Oliver (16) to see Thame over the line for a 3 wicket win and 6 overs to spare.
Thame next host Shipton-under-Wychwood 3 to try and secure promotion.
Strong Eynsham beat 4th XI
Thame 4s hosted league leaders Eynsham 2s on Saturday, which saw the return of the Win-Lose format. Thame were swiftly put into bat after losing the toss. A steady innings on a tricky wicket saw Thame progress to 138-7 off their 45 overs, with contributions through the order from Andy Johnston (22) and Will Bruce-Morgan (23). Key to the inning was Neil Smith who batted 35 overs to support the order eventually ending on 39* – NOT OUT!
In response, Eynsham made a slow start due to tight opening bowling from Trevor Spindler (2-26 off 10) and Bruce-Morgan (pictured below) who took the first wicket in the 6th over. Bruce-Morgan impressed, eventually taking 3-37 wickets off his 10 overs. A strong Eynsham middle order took the game away from Thame eventually reaching the target with 12 overs to spare. Thame bag a crucial 6 points to keep them in 7th place leading into the final 3 games of the season.
Next week Thame 4s are away to Bledlow Ridge.
Women beat the rain but lose out to Maidenhead
With both teams determined not to be put off by the weather or traffic chaos, Thame’s women travelled to Bray on Sunday to take on a young Maidenhead side – unexpected rain in the morning delayed the start time and reduced overs to 20 per innings. Thame fielded first, and short of players were helped by some MBCC players. Thame held the home side to 121 runs, and claimed 4 wickets at the hands of Mel White, Bridget Cooper, Megs Woodward and a run out from Claire Morris. After the morning’s heavy rain, the origin of the term sticky wicket became clear and batting took place from one end only – and gave the MBCC batters the benefit of a number of sixes off a short boundary at square leg.
The teams moved straight to the 2nd innings, saving tea for the end of the match. Thame scored 83-5 off 20, victory going to the home side. Top scorer was Megs Woodward with 23, followed by Vicky Shaw on 11 returning to the field of play after a blow to the head as wicket keeper from a Woodward bowl in the first innings, already sporting the beginnings of a shiner!
Bank Holiday Monday sees Thame take on a Barbarians side at the Meadows in what promises to be a glorious sunny afternoon, perfect for cricket.
