Young Thame cricketers in thrilling Final’s Day play-off

THAME Under-11s have had an outstanding season in the Oxfordshire league since May, winning nine out of their 10 games and culminating in them earning a deserved place in the County’s Finals Day last Sunday, July 16, hosted in style by Great and Little Tew Cricket Club.

On the road to that Finals Day, Thame defeated four opponents both home and away (Aston Rowant, MP Academy, Tiddington and Oxford CC), only losing once, away to local rivals Horspath. As for last Sunday, the top four clubs from 28 in the county came together for the semi-finals in the morning. Thame lost in the semi-final to the hosts and eventual winners, Great & Little Tew but then tied the 3rd/4th place play-off in a thrilling finish against Peppard Stoke Row; a Thame batsman was run out off the last ball attempting to go for the winning run !

There were notable performances on the day from skipper Luke Hayes (six wickets), Theo Ransby, Daniel Laws and Huxley Davis but, as throughout the season, the side’s main strength was in the collective performance of the team. Huge credit goes to the wider U11 squad and to the many club coaches who have contributed to their success.