Mixed weekend for Thame Cricket Club

First XI lose narrowly to Slough – THAME 1st XI slipped to a narrow defeat at home to Slough last Saturday, May 26 . Batting first, Thame again started poorly, but captain Mike Beard and overseas Gami Kanishka recovered to 80-2. The fall of both in the same over turned the game and, despite the bold efforts of the tail, Thame stuttered to a below-par 175-9. The Slough response started well and the game looked over at 100-0. However, Thame showed the character that earned them promotion last season, with wickets falling in the later stages and Slough eventually scrambling home for the loss of seven wickets with just 10 balls to spare. Thame travelled to Tring this Saturday, June 2. (Report to follow)

James Neilson

Second XI make it four wins from four matches!

THAME second XI travelled to play Charlbury 1st XI, hoping to extend their 100% record in Division Four. James Nielson (67) and debutant Rafe Dickie (52) passed 100 for the first wicket. Quick runs by Daniel Patey (26), Jack Aston (48) and Richard Carr (27*) meant Thame ended on an impressive 275 from 50 overs. In response, Charlbury never looked like matching Thame’s big total, thanks to early wickets from Matt Ridgway (2-35) and Jonathan Jelfs (3-18). Daniel Patey (3-21) and Alastair Thomas (1-9) then kept Thame on top, Charlbury dismissed easily for only 83 runs. They welcomed second-placed East Oxford to Church Meadow this last Saturday, June2. (Report to follow)

Defiant tail snatches unlikely win for thirds

THAME thirds managed a dramatic win against Oxford fours after a top-order batting collapse. Batting first, the visitors struggled on a difficult track, as Nick Humphries (2-14) and Pete Tervet (0-19 off 13 overs) restricted Oxford to just 33-2 off 22 overs. Oxford reached 99 for 7 off 45 overs, with wickets shared around the bowlers. In reply, chasing 100 for victory, Thame started disastrously, slumping to 5 for 5. It was left to Chris Penny (16) to start a fight-back, followed by a defiant ninth-wicket partnership of 59 between Ian McStay (30) and Pete Tervet (30*) to bring the score to 81 for 9. Tervet and Rob Tomlin then edged Thame home, helping to secure 3rd spot. They next took on fifth-placed Kimble seconds, away, this Saturday, June 2. (Report to follow)

Fourths let down by their batting

THAME’S unbeaten fourths travelled to Bicester & North Oxford but lost the toss and batted. The innings started badly as only Shay Reading (26) reached double figures, leaving Thame on just 50 all out, from 22 overs. Despite having little chance of victory, Thame set about picking up bonus points for wickets. Ed Mather (2-25) removed the openers and then, with the game almost over, Rob Kenny (3-21) and a run out gave the Bicester middle-order a fright, before the hosts edged home. The fourths went on to face Aston Rowant fifths, at home, this last Saturday, June 2. (Report to follow)

Finally, Thame Town Cricket Club are looking for a scorer for their First XI – expenses paid; please contact Angus on 07966 280139.