Middle order take Thame further clear at the top

THAME Town Cricket Club’s first team moved further clear at the top of the  Cherwell League Division One on Saturday, after  beating Wolverton at Church Meadow.

Hassam Mushtaq

Captain Mike Higgs won the toss and did not hesitate to bat on a beautiful day. Early wickets left Thame 82 for 4 with only Will Sutcliffe (31) making a real start, however steady contributions from the middle order took the home team up to 205 all out in their last over. Hassam Mushtaq top scored with 40, and N. Shahzad took 5-58 for the visitors.

In response, Wolverton started quickly, taking 46 from the first seven overs, but then the wickets began to fall, as Thame built up the pressure. Lachlan and McPhee picked up a wicket each, before the guile of spin twins Higgs (3-38) and Mushtaq (5-35) slowly picked away at the Wolverton team, who were never in the game. Thame got the last wicket when the score was 150 in the 32nd over, to leave the side unbeaten this season.

Thame travel to Long Marston on Saturday, July 4.

THAME’s Second XI, who play in Cherwell League Division Five, were less successful losing away at Long Marston where the home side scored 205 for 8 in their 53 overs. Chris Penny took 3 for 48 off 17, and Sam Nicholls 3 for 30, with 3 catches in the deep for Ben Warwick.

However fielding in the hot sun took its toll as when Thame batted they were 97 all out in 30.3 overs. Only Warwick, Luke McStay and Chris Penny reached double figures.

THE Third XI, who play in Cherwell League Division Nine, lost at home to O & B Nondescripts by 4 wickets, despite more runs for Ian Chapple.