A debut ‘ton’and two impressive friendly wins for the 1st XI

THAME Town Cricket Club’s First XI kicked off 2017 with two excellent pre-season victories. The first, against a strong Potters Bar side, saw successful debuts for Richie Straughan (48) and overseas professional Gami Kanishka (105).

Gami Kanishka, TTCC’s new overseas professional, Gami Kanishka

A total of 264 off 40 overs appeared daunting. However, 154 from Potters Bar opener Gale made for an excellent chase. They fell 10 runs short after some excellent death bowling. (April 22)

The second friendly took Thame to Marlow. Having won the toss and elected to bat, Marlow slipped to 46-4 with Beard taking 3-7. They eventually stumbled to 195-9 off their 50 overs. However, this proved to be well below par as another new comer, Callum Russell, made an excellent 90* and Kanishka an explosive 81, leading Thame home for the loss of three wickets in just 30 overs.  (April 29).

The 1st XI begin their Home Counties Premier League season away at Datchet, on Saturday, May 6.

An exciting win and a defeat in 2nd XI warm-ups

AGAINST neighbours, Haddenham Firsts, Thame batted first and made 181 all out from 38 overs. The man-of-the-match was Liam Evans with 50 not out, while Andy Jinman scored 39 and skipper Matt Furness 25. Haddenham batted second and came close but were all out 171 in the final, 40th over, held together by Gavin Castellyn (59).

Bowling highlights included three wickets for Liam Evans, three wickets for Guy Holmes and the crucial wicket for Lewis Ludlam. (April 22)

The Second XI’s second warm-up game brought them up against a strong Marlow Seconds side, at Church Meadow.  Marlow batted first and with Fisher (102) and Keenan (76) leading the way, a big total looked certain. Despite a tight spell from Pete Tervet (8-2-0-29) and two wickets each from Fellowes and Holmes, Thame couldn’t stop Marlow posting 274 for 6. In reply, Thame limped to 60-4, before hard hitting from Evan Davies (51) and Matt ‘The Chairman’ Swain (49 not out) gave the innings respectability, finishing on 205 for 6.

Thame seconds kick off their league season, now in Cherwell Division 4, next Saturday, May 6, at home against Stokenchurch.

SOURCE: Contributed