Much improved tally for Thame’s Cricketers

THAME Town Cricket Club hosted Oxford last weekend, June 30, in a crunch clash, sponsored by J Bennett & Son. Oxford’s openers both fell just short of 50’s but gave Oxford an excellent platform. Thame fought back well through Andy Russell (4-74) and Hassam Mushtaq, who took 6-54 in a fine spell of legspin bowling. Oxford made 247 on a turning wicket. In reply, Thame were soon 65-4 and staring down the barrel. It took a stoic innings from skipper Mike Beard (44*) to stop the rot but when Mushtaq (66) proceeded to launch a blistering counter attack, the most unlikely of victories looked possible. Eventually Thame finished on 184-7 to secure a draw. They entertain Finchampstead this Saturday.

Hassam Mushtaq, who put in an outstanding all-round display for the Firsts against Oxford

Seconds stay Top of the Table

THAME Seconds travelled to play third-placed Tiddington. Electing to bat, early wickets put Thame on the back foot but Harry Thomas (41*) rebuilt, allowing Jack Aston (34) to accelerate. Thame finished up on 202 for 8 from the 53 overs. In reply Tiddington started slowly against tight bowling from Matt Ridgeway (2-23) and Adam Phippen. With pressure building, the wickets came for spinners Dan Patey (5-47) and Ali Thomas (3-13). Picking up 25 points, bowling Tiddington out for 140 with 1.1 overs to spare, keeps Thame top of the league. This Saturday, July 7, they travel to take on Bletchley Firsts.

Third XI beat the leaders !

THAME thirds convincingly beat top-of-the-table Bletchley Town Seconds by 80 runs to keep them third in Division Nine. Thame were put in and Justin Avery (43) and George Patey (30) got Thame off to a flyer. In the middle order, Liam Evans (49) and Sam Nicholls (38) piled on the runs, in the heat, declaring on 236 for 8. After tea, only opener Ifthikar (39) was a real threat for Bletchley, all out for 156. Main wicket-takers were Ben Buckland (2) and Vim Desai (4). Thame next entertain second-placed Tiddington on Saturday.

Fourths win on the road at Abingdon

THAME Fourths travelled to play Abingdon Fourths, who batted first. Despite a first-wicket stand of 86, Abingdon were all out 177, thanks to Ed Mather (5-52) and Tony Barnes (3-35). Thame also made a good start of 82, through Nick Fuller (52) and Tim Dabbs (33). Backed up by Max Muncaster (20) and Dan Hart (19), Thame won with nine overs to spare. This Saturday, the fourths travel to promotion- contenders Eynsham.

Thame women victorious against Maidenhead and Bray

THE performance of Thame’s Women’s cricket team matched the mercury rising on a scorching Sunday afternoon, July 1, in a home friendly against Maidenhead and Bray, reaching 225 in their highest run-total yet, leaving their opponents melting with 163. Highlights of the Thame innings came from Beth John, smashing 30* in each of 2 innings, Mel White (30) and Bridget Cooper (30). Runs also for Claire Morris, Vicky Shaw, Gill Kelleher and Clare Seed. In the M&BCC innings there were wickets for John, Cooper and Budde-Manning.