Thame’s cricketers come unstuck against table topping Rowant

AFTER losing the toss, Thame struggled to build any momentum against a very well disciplined Rowant attack. Only Callum Russell (86, pictured) and Hassam Mushtaq (51) made double figures as Thame managed 181-9 – their cause not aided by two run outs.

In response, Rowant’s openers came out firing and it took the introduction of spin to remove both with the score on 50. However, from there on Rowant captain Josh Smith and overseas, James McDougall, took control. Their two very well controlled innings saw Rowant home for the loss of just two wickets.

Callum Russell, top scorer for TTCC’s first XI

Nonetheless, a very encouraging first half of the season see’s Thame sit fifth, just three points off second place. They host Datchet next week looking to get back to winning ways.

A return to winning ways for the seconds

THAME’S second XI faced rivals Dinton in a ‘must win’ game. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Thame got off to a strong start with openers Harry Thomas (41) and George Patey (44) both playing excellently. Despite losing wickets, Thame never really lost momentum with runs coming from Matt Furness (29), Dan Patey (22) and Richard Carr (40*), helping the team to reach a competitive target of 220.

In reply, Dinton never looked like threatening Thame’s total. Excellent bowling from Peter Tervet (3-37), Alaistair Thomas (5-36) and George Patey (2-8) made light work of Dinton’s batting line up, leading them 117 all out.

Thame second XI look to capitalise on recent good form against a strong Stokenchurch side next week.

Third XI lose top-of-the-table clash

HAVING won the toss Thame thirds elected to bat on what looked like a good batting track. Sadly, batting first, Thame only managed to post a below par score of 131. Christian Warwick top scored with 25 and James McStay batted well down the order for a solid 20.

In repl, the Thame team applied some good early pressure, restricting the home side and managing to take two early wickets thanks to some accurate seam bowling from Ian McStay (two wickets) and Ben Warwick. Unfortunately, five dropped catches proved very costly as Oxford Downs managed to reach the target in 26 overs, only losing two wickets. The batting honours for Oxford were shared by H Gillam (61) and T Ling (51).

Thame thirds now drop down to fourth place and hope to pick up points in the next match is against Kimble seconds.

Warwick hundred leads Sunday XI to friendly victory

A Thame XI, made up of a select few firsts and seconds alongside their third XI and Youth players, made the short journey to Tiddington for a 40-over friendly. Opting to bat first, the Warwick brothers provided the majority of Thame’s total of 232, with Christian (108) scoring his second hundred for the Meadowmen, alongside Ben who hit 81, in an epic partnership.

Early wickets for Jamie Wiles and Rob Tomlin made it a good start for Thame, but huge hitting looked to take Tiddington to the total with ease. Ben Warwick took three wickets to fight back, plus an excellent caught and bowled by Ben Buckland swayed the game in Thame’s favour before Buckland again, Lewis Ludlam and Adam Phippen’s two wickets meant Thame won by 30 runs.

Youth round-up

THAME Town Under 13s continued their winning streak with victory over Tiddington U13 last Thursday night (June 29). Thame batted first and on a difficult wicket reached a score of 101-7. The main contributors were Muncaster (22), Pember (17) and Carr (11*). In reply, Tiddington were always behind the required rate and despite a late rally finished on 91-6. Wilkins finished the leading bowler taking 2 for 3.

Tiddington won the toss against Thame Town U11s and chose to bat and their innings was held together by an assured innings by Jake Mackay (27, retired), with a late flourish from Artie Shrimpton getting the home side up to 78 for 7 from their 20 overs. The wickets were shared equally by Huxley Davis, Theo Ransby, Sam Berry and Archie Jacobs, with a good fielding display bringing 3 run outs. In reply, Thame made a measured start against accurate bowling, before Archie Jacobs accelerated the innings with 14.

Thame were then knocked back by two wickets from Finn, but the skipper, Luke Haye,s guided the side almost to the target with a composed 25 (retired). With scores level, the last single was scrambled on the first ball of the 19th over, Thame reaching 79 for the loss of 7 wickets. The two sides meet again on Sunday, July 9, in the last round of league matches.