Strong Cricketing Saturday for Thame’s men’s teams before the women took on the RAF!

Ali produces again as Firsts brush aside Cookham – FAISAL ALI put in another majestic display on Saturday, taking 5-24 as Cookham Dean were bundled out for just 66 – a total that might have been smaller had the usually dependable Hassam Mushtaq put his hands on the right way round. Ali was supported by new ball partner Jo Van Dyk (3-31) and Dev Warner (2-8), who both bowled with excellent aggression on a bouncy surface.

Thame got off to their usual wobbly start in reply, but an innings of immense maturity and control by Tom Bamford (26*) saw Thame home for the loss of 5 wickets. Thame remain third, one point off the promotion spots, and travel to Wokingham next weekend.

Winning draw for Seconds at Banbury

THAME won the toss and elected to bat on a hot, but breezy day. Banbury’s opening bowlers bowled tightly but, Thame were well placed with wickets in hand to accelerate the scoring for the second half of their innings, ending up on 213-8 off their 53 overs. Everyone chipped in with the bat; Christian Warwick (42), Matt Furness (36), Richard Carr (30) and James Adams (29).

In reply, Banbury never really got going, being restricted by tight bowling from the three spinners, Mike Higgs (3-43, pictured below), Adam Phippen (13 overs for just 27) and Ali Thomas (3-50). Thame’s out fielding was outstanding with Oli Sutcliffe throwing himself over the whole of the outfield and Dave Saunders taking two low catches. The match was played in a good spirit, with Banbury holding out for a losing draw on 159-8. The Seconds host Great Brickhill Seconds next week.

Thirds strengthen position at the top

THAME Thirds Visited Brackley Seconds hoping to continue their winning ways on a day that threatened thunderstorms, and the potential use of Duckworth Lewis. Having won the toss Thame elected to field first on a wet, spongy track. Nick Humphries (3-19) and MOTM Ollie Chaplin (4-32) both bowled with considerable control and discipline and, with the support of some excellent fielding, Brackley found it really hard to score runs. At one stage they were 26-1 off 12 overs. With pressure building, bowling changes of Robbie Jackson (2-23), Pete Tervet (1-23) and 7 catches there was little respite for the home team, who eventually were bowled out for 102 in the 45th over.

In reply, Thame lost their causal make shift opener, Paddy Harris, early leaving Thame on 1-1. Andy Jinman (52) and Gareth Bridges (32) steadily rebuilt the innings taking the total to 84-1 before losing Gareth. This set up a comprehensive seven wicket win as Thame took all 25 points to remain top. Thame next play Stokenchurch Seconds at home.

Fourths draw one wicket short of victory

THAME hosted Cropredy on Saturday on a blustery day. Having successfully won the toss, Cropredy put Thame into bat. Thame made a steady start before a mix up saw Nick Fuller (16) run out. A crucial partnership followed shortly after, between top scorer Fahad Majeed (44) and Rob Kenny (27), which saw Thame reach a competitive total of 150 -8 off their 45 overs.

In reply, Cropredy opening partnership also made a steady start to their innings before Thame introduced Fuller into the attack. Making an immediate impact, Fuller posted impressions be figures of 7-31 runs off his 15 overs. Such figures took Thame within one wicket of victory with five overs remaining in the game. After a concerted effort, the wicket just would not come as the opposition batters dug in for the draw – Thame bagging 17 vital points in the process. Next week Thame Fourths travel to Kingston Bagpuize.

RAF Women’s team fly in for a cracker!

IN a welcome last-minute fixture after a cancellation, Thame began to wonder if they had overstretched themselves after losing the toss, batting first, and with an early tea beckoning at about 15 overs! The RAF women set an attacking field, severely limiting Thame’s run rate, at the same time as claiming 8 wickets. However, Sarah Sanderson and Emily Neighbour shared a brilliant 94 unbeaten partnership – Sanderson scoring a magnificent 56, including eight 4s, while Neighbour made 26. After the 30 overs, Thame had made a strong recovery at 166-8.

Following another delicious tea (hot fajitas) courtesy of Lina and her mum (thanks Mrs Manning!), Thame took to the field, demonstrating a strong bowling attack. Neighbour (1-18) set the tone with a wicket in the second over, and Mel White (1-23) followed with a caught and bowled with her first ball! Top bowlers were Sally Brentnall (2-26), including a double wicket maiden over, and Antonia Barnes with a stunning 3-15. Barnes’ victims included the RAF’s opener on 92!

With the RAF wickets falling rapidly, Thame were in with a chance and the excitement began to mount! With 3 overs still to go, a couple of 4s from the RAF left them equal on 166 and Thame’s fielders crowded the wicket. A dramatic melee then ended the game, with keeper Vicky Shaw scrambling in the dust, and RAF batter and fielder Mags Lightbody colliding to the ground at the wickets as Thame desperately tried to stop the run!

After a moment’s confusion for everyone, and once the bodies had been cleared, the umpires declared the run had been made and the game was over! The RAF had won with 167-7 off 28.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and competitive match, and the two teams hope to do battle again in the future!