Thame cricket – Match report for June 29-30

First eleven defeat Harefield – CALLUM Russell struck a magnificent century to steer Thame to a six-wicket victory at home against Harefield over the weekend.

Callum Russell

After losing the toss and being forced into the field on the hottest day of the year, Thame’s prolific new ball pairing of Faisal Ali and Jo Van Dyk dismantled the Harefield top order, reducing them to 40-5. Harefield fought back well as Thame wilted in the sun, eventually reaching 182 all out, Ali finishing with 4-24.

The Thame reply started poorly with the loss of both openers, but Russell appeared to be batting on a different surface at times, as he moved through the gears fluently in making a fine 117 not out. He found support in Hassam Mushtaq, who finished 44 not out, as Thame got home for the loss of just four wickets. Thame, currently sitting second in the league table, travel to Amersham this weekend, June 6.

Seconds trip up at Sandford St Martin

THAME seconds won the toss and elected to bat first on a glorious day at Sandford St Martin. Thame made a strong start with Richard Carr making a quick fire 36 which was supported by Harry Thomas 32 and Rafe Dickie 40. However the middle order struggled to kick on to post an intimidating total and ultimately finished with a below par score of 199.

Wickets were hard to come by in the field for Thame due to some excellent hitting from Sandford St Martin’s opening batsman who blasted his way to 126 which put the game to bed with Thame ended up losing by 6 wickets. They now host East Oxford at Church Meadow this weekend.

Thirds defeat Abingdon Vale thirds team

THE thirds hosted Abingdon Vale, at a temporary home venue of Stanton St John. Thame’s in-form opener, Andy Jinman (114*) led the charge and made the opposition toll on the hottest day of the year, building strong partnerships with Guy Holmes (29) and Fahad Majeed (31).

Jinman carried his bat to ensure Thame reached an impressive 237. Abingdon Vale in reply showed no intention of attempting to chase down the total but Thame’s bowlers, supported by some energetic fielding, eventually broke through.  The pick of the bowlers were Luke Hayes (2-18), Ian McStay (3-27) and Majeed (2-2).  Abingdon were finally bowled out for 100 inside 37 overs.

Thame thirds play Buckingham fourths away for a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday

Fourths lose in agonising fashion to leaders Tiddington thirds

THAME fourths limited Tiddington thirds to just 131-8 from their 45 overs at Great Haseley, with Jake MacKay top-scoring on 48, thanks to a magnificent spell of 7 for 38 from Dan Constant, his career-best figures! In reply, Thame made steady progress towards victory over the division-leaders, with top scores from Tim Dabbs (22) and Andy Johnston (20), but wickets were also falling at regular intervals.

In the end they were all out for 130 in the 42nd over, just one run short of the Tiddington total. They entertain Dinton thirds on Saturday.