Thame cricketers snatch a draw to stay top

THAME Firsts almost snatched another win against Long Marston last Saturday, having been on the brink of losing their unbeaten run at relegation candidates Long Marston. Thame won the toss and elected to bat, with debutant Adam Phippen scoring 36 but he was the only batsman to push on, after several made starts.

Adan Phippen

With the pitch playing quite low, Thame slowly climbed to 178 for 9 off their 53 overs, with some good knocks from the tail enders. In reply Lachlan and Higgs got early wickets but the runs came quickly for Long Marston, as they reached 82 for 4 off 19 overs. Just as it looked like Thame had pulled it back, Bastin and Bee both scored quickly to move Long Marston to 159 for 5 off 35 overs. They only needed 20 off the final 12 overs, which seemed an easy task, but overseas player Jarryd McPhee (4-27) and Hassam Mushtaq (3-49) had different ideas and Thame then reduced them to 168 for 9. This left Long Marston to bat out for a draw, although Thame had a few close shouts for LBW turned down.

In a game which always looked set for a result, Thame came away with a winning draw and remain top of the league at the mid-point of the season, heading to Oxford on Saturday 11th.

SECOND XI
Thame Seconds fell agonisingly short of a win at home to Cumnor Seconds, losing by just one run. Cumnor batted first and, despite the heat, Thame managed to pin them back and take all 10 wickets for just 156. The bowling was led by Ali Thomas (4 for 39) and Ian McStay (3 for 26), with strong support from Cian Davies (2 for 33) and James McStay (1 for 22).

In search of 157 to win, Thame lost early wickets but George Patey stood firm at one end for 27 valuable runs. The match was slowly slipping away until Ben Griffiths (33) and James McStay (16 n.o.) came together for an excellent last-wicket stand of 48 which so nearly pulled off the win.

THIRD XI
The Thirds had a comfortable 9 wicket win away against Chearsley, chasing 119, with 15 year-old Liam Earwicker scoring 75 not out.