Winning ways continue for Thame Town Cricket Club (Contributed)

THAME Town Cricket Club continued its good start to the season on Saturday (23/05/09) when all three senior teams won their league matches.

The First XI won a comprehensive victory over Newbury-based side Falkland, winning by seven wickets by mid-afternoon. Falkland were blown away by the Thame bowling attack of Sam Lachlan (3 for 21 off 9), Luke Merry (3 for 37 off 16), and Seetal Patel (4 for 11 off 6.5), and by some excellent fielding and catching. In reply, Thame lost two early wickets, but skipper Rob Brooks (35 not out) and Luke Merry (26 not out) saw the home side to victory.

The Second XI had an easy victory at Sandford St Martin, where they scored 181 for 9, with Richard Carr hitting 34 and Lance Giles 31, before dismissing the home side for 80, Gary Porter taking 4 for 31.

The Third XI beat Bicester 4’s in the last over. Batting first, Thame scored 192 for 4 with Ian McStay hitting 37, Dave Hocking 57, and Angus Lachlan 48 not out. Bicester were then bowled out for 179 with Ian McStay taking 4 for 37 and Dave Hocking 3 for 38.

On Bank Holiday Monday, the John Fulkes U-13s memorial cup returned to Thame, when previous winners Dinton had to settle for 4th place in this annual Thame Town Cricket Club, under 13s, 6-a-side competition, established in memory of the late John Fulkes who, in addition to being Head of the 6th Form at Lord Williams?s school in Thame for many years, had dedicated himself to developing youth cricket in Thame and Oxfordshire.

On an unexpected dry and hot day, five teams competed, each playing four league games. Winner of the league, with four wins, was Thame Town A side, consisting of captain Charlie Parker, Sam Alexander, Will Sutcliffe, George Patey, Ollie Smith and Charlie Williams. The fight for second spot was closely contested with three teams having two wins. It was eventually won by Oxford and Bletchindon, with Warborough and Shillingford, and Dinton finishing 3rd and 4th respectively on run rate.

A young Thame Town B team came 5th with some creditable performances and inn the final, Thame Town A side restricted Oxford and Bletchington to 50 runs in their five overs, with very tight bowling – particularly from Ollie Smith who took a wicket for just four runs in his over.

Thame Town A side knocked the runs off with an over to spare, with Charlie Parker scoring 21 not out.

The John Fulkes Cup was presented to the team by Thame’s young Gloucestershire and England player, Michael Beard.

A big thanks goes to the Thame Town CC parents and the young umpires who made the day such a success raising much needed funds for the New Nets Appeal to provide first rate facilities for the hundreds of Juniors who train and play at the club.

Anyone who would like to support the New Nets Appeal please contact the club on 01844 213103.

Photo: Thame Town Cricket Club Under 13s winners of the John Foulkes Memorial Cup 2009, Captain Charlie Parker, Sam Alexander, Will Sutcliffe, George Patey, Ollie Smith and Charlie Williams