Cricket: TTCC first team suffer defeat at Henley

THAME Town Cricket Club’s first XI travelled to third-placed Henley on Saturday, July 14, in need of a win to kick off the quest for survival. Henley won the toss and put Thame into bat. In another poor batting display, Thame were all out for 73 after 25.4 overs, with skipper Mike Beard (37) providing some resistance. Henley then coasted their way to victory, reaching 74-0 from just 10.1 overs. Thame play an out-of-form High Wycombe side this Saturday, July 21, at Church Meadow, in a match sponsored by J Bennett & Son.

Second XI falls to Brackley firsts

THAME second XI welcomed Brackley to Church Meadow. Batting first, Thame regularly lost wickets with skipper Matt Furness (55) the only one to put up much resistance to Brackley’s bowling attack. This left Thame on an under-par total of 127. Despite some early wickets, a half-century from Brackley batsman Luke Stone meant the visitors chased down Thame’s total quite comfortably with five wickets remaining. Thame second XI face Long Marston away this Saturday, hoping to secure their spot in the promotion places.

Rob Tomlin, who starred in the TTCC thirds’ win at Kingston Bagpuize

Third XI win their third on the bounce

THE thirds travelled to Kingston Bagpuize on Saturday and, choosing to field in the hot sun, made a perfect start, with Rob Tomlin (3-29) and James Olliver (2-13) reducing the hosts to 19 for 5. Kingston Bagpuize seconds dug themselves out of the hole through Murray (35) and Temple (39), against tight bowling. It was left to spin twins, Ian McStay (2-31) and Tim Hester (2-20), combined with a good run out (Olliver-Harris) to eventually prise out the remaining batsmen, with the final KB total at 136 from 40.1 overs. After tea, Thame started quickly on the fast outfield, but were pegged back to 41-4, with only Andy Jinman (27) getting runs. Ian Chappell (42*) and Ian McStay (28) compiled the match-winning partnership and Paddy Harris (17*) finished well after 28 overs. Thame thirds welcome Bledlow Ridge seconds to the LWS ground this Saturday.

Fourths impress in a winning draw

THAME fourths hosted Abingdon Vale, having beaten them two weeks before. Thame were put into bat and started well with Tim Dabbs (17) and Shay Reading (17). Tim Airstone then scored a masterful 75, supported by Josh Edworthy (22), to post a total of 190-9. On a variable wicket, Danny Thompson returned figures of 3-43, with support from Neil Smith (2-31) and Shay Reading (2-26). Despite a late flurry of wickets Abingdon survived for a draw on 174-8. Thame next play away to Westbury thirds.