Thame cricketers move out of relegation zone

IT was almost a perfect weekend for Thame Town Cricket Club with the First XI taking 20 points with a win against high-flying Amersham and moving away from the relegation zone as a result.

The Second XI took 25 points with a win at Banbury to stay top of Division Five. The Third XI also took 25 points, to cement second place in Division Nine (North) albeit through their opposition forfeiting the game, allowing the team to play a friendly instead. MATCH REPORTS –

Matt McDonald

FIRST Xl – Thame secured a vital victory against second-placed Amersham in the Home Counties League, thereby proving the quality in the side to any doubters, with an excellent all-round display at home last Saturday, August 20. Thame lost the toss and were asked to bat and, with a positive approach, their innings got off to a flyer with Matt Mcdonald (78) and Mike Beard (35) taking them up to 130 for 4, with 21 overs left. However a mini-collapse left Thame on 174 for 8, before Chris Jeffcock and skipper Mike Higgs led Thame to 205 all out in the 48th over. In reply, Amersham started well but Thame produced a determined bowling and fielding display to dismiss the visitors for just 155. Wickets for Hassam Mushtaq (4-28), Adam Phippen (3-33), Mike Higgs (2-26) and Will Rooney (1-25) secured the much-needed victory, which takes Thame 14 points clear of relegation. They travel to take on Datchet this Saturday, August 27.

SECOND XI – After stumbling the previous week, Thame seconds knew that to maintain top spot they simply had to win away at bottom-of-the-table, Banbury Fourths and they didn’t disappoint. Banbury won the toss and chose to bat, but were soon struggling at 42-4 against the opening bowlers, Matt Furness (2-16) and Ian McStay (2-25). Despite Banbury staging a recovery, putting on 58 for the 5th wicket, George Patey (2-8) then made the breakthrough and Chris Penny polished off the tail (4-38), the home side finishing up 134 all out from 46.3 overs. With rain clouds a constant threat, Thame had to score quickly in reply, as Richard Carr (81 not out) and Andy Jinman (19) put on 74 off just 11 overs. With Matt Furness (27 not out) then joining Carr at the crease, Thame reached 135 for 1 from only 22.1 overs. They now entertain Horspath 3rds this Saturday, in Thame, who lie second in the table.
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THIRD XI – Thame third XI have now all but sealed second place in Division Nine(North), after their nearest rivals Twyford forfeited the match for lack of players last Saturday. Thame still managed hastily to organise a friendly against Stokenchurch Seconds, however, only to be ultimately frustrated by the weather. Thame bowled the home side out for 110, Ally Ilsley picking up three wickets on his return to the side, while Vimal Desai, Will Bruce-Morgan and Ollie Oxby took one wicket each. Some excellent fielding also gave Thame three run outs. In the chase, Thame started well at 30-0 after eight overs, but the heavens opened and the game was sadly abandoned. They entertain Cropredy Thirds at Lord Bills Upper school ground this Saturday, August 27.