Successful weekend for Thame cricketers

(1) THAME firsts frustrated by Harefield – THAME Town Cricket Club’s first XI began the timed-format part of the season with a home fixture against Harefield, a side relegated from Premier One in 2016. Thame won the toss and batted first and, despite the early loss of the in-form Will Sutcliffe, Callum Russell and Gami Kanishka built a strong partnership.

Gami Kanishka, who made his second century of the league season

A strong Harefield bowling attack had no answer to the pair, as Thame raced along to 170-1 at lunch. Russell fell shortly after the break for a fine 63, but Kanishka (pictured) went through to a brilliant 100 – his second of the league campaign. After he fell, however, the innings stuttered and Thame were indebted to Jimmy Adams and Adam Phippen for some strong late hitting to post a highly competitive 265-8 off their 58 overs.

In reply, Harefield showed very little intent to chase the target, with both openers content to just survive against the new ball. Thame then turned to spin with Phippen putting victory within sight with three quick wickets. Despite a fine spell of leg-spin from Hassam Mushtaq, Harefield managed to hold on for a draw, eventually finishing on 186-7 from 55 overs. Thame sit fourth in Home Counties Premier Two and travel to high-flying Chesham this Saturday, June 17.

(2) Second XI claim first victory of the season

LOOKING for their first win of the season, Thame 2nd XI made the short trip to play away against Tiddington’s 2nd XI. Batting first, Thame lost both openers early on. However, Skipper Matt Furness (47) anchored the middle of the innings with help from Guy Holmes (24), Ben Warwick (19) and Christian Warwick (25). Then, coming in at 8, Matt Ridgway (60) scored an explosive half-century to propel Thame up to 226.

Tiddington got off to a strong start with quick runs coming from John Mackie (36) and Jeff Higgs (38). However, opening bowlers Chris Jeffcock (2-59) and Matt Ridgway (1-17) removed Tiddington’s top order to slow their momentum. Ali Thomas (5-46) and Chris Penny (2-27) then ripped through the rest of Tiddington’s batting line up, as they fell short of Thame’s total by 72 runs. The 2nd XI play against Horspath 3rds, at home, this Saturday.

(3) Two wins in a row for third XI

THAME thirds convincingly beat Stokenchurch seconds by six wickets chasing down 96 in just 21 overs. Stokenchurch were put into bat and in immediate trouble, as opening bowlers Pete Tervet (2-30) and John Phippen (2-12) reduced the home side to 17-3 after just 10 overs, including a very sharp catch by Ian Chappell. There was no let-up for Stokenchurch as the first bowling change brought wickets for Nicholas Fuller (3-17). Debutant Rob Tomlin (2-20) also got into the action , helped by a fine catch by Matt Swain. In reply, Ian Chappell and Vim Desai started cautiously, putting on 26 in the first 12 overs, before Evan Davies accelerated the innings with a quickfire 36, ensuring the total of 96 was never a problem. Thame are now third in Division 9 and next play at home against Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts thirds.

SOURCE: Contributed