No Cup win for Thame cricketers

Image courtesy of the Wormsley Estate

THAME travelled to the picturesque Wormsley cricket ground hoping to round off a hugely-successful season with a win in the Wilf Bennett T20 final.

Thame won the toss and elected to bat, in front of a large crowd of their supporters. However, losing both openers early they struggled to get a grip on the game, with tight bowling and fielding from opponents Bicester and North Oxford. Despite a partnership between Callum Russell (37*) and Michael Beard (30), plus lusty blows from Adam Phippen, two middle-order run-outs put Thame on the back-foot as they only managed a total of 107-6 off their 20 overs.

The BNOCC innings started well for Thame, with a Michael Higgs wicket, but from there a pivotal second-wicket partnership and poor bowling all but took the game away, despite a flurry of late wickets. Only Hassam Mushtaq found his line on the day with his spell of 4 overs 1 for 11, but unfortunately this wasn’t enough, BNOCC winning with two overs to spare and by 6 wickets.

A disappointing end to a very successful Cup run but the great performances of the club’s youngsters bode well for next season and beyond.

Meanwhile, the club won the final two friendlies of the season – on the 9th against Hetairoi (Guy Holmes 100*- pictured and 3 wickets for Lewis Ludlam) and on the 17th against Northfields CC (Harry Thomas 63) – while the Women’s team lost a close match against an experienced South Moreton team on the 17th, with runs coming from Beth Johns and Mel White. The Women’s team will finish their season at the Bicester softball festival on Saturday 30th.

Source: Contributed