Thame’s cricketing first team still looking for a win to fire off their season

THAME’S Second XI returnd to top of Division four on Saturday, June 23, after beating Abingdon Vale, while the first team made a heavy loss against local rivals, Aston Rowant.

Sam Lachlan

Thame firsts were looking to get their season back on track against a side they had beaten last year to gain promotion. Aston Rowant won the toss and asked Thame to bat. In a poor display, Thame were skittled out for just 59, with Callum Russell’s 18 not out, the top score. The hosts chased down the target without losing a wicket. Thame now welcome fellow-strugglers Oxford to Church Meadow this Saturday, July 1, in a match sponsored by J. Bennett & Son Insurance.

IN their match, the seconds lost the toss and were asked to bowl. Thame always looked firmly on top with devastating opening spells from Sam Lachlan (7-41) and Matt Ridgway (3-17), leaving Abingdon all out for just 73 runs. In response, openers Christian Warwick (28) and Harry Thomas (32*) ensured a comfortable nine-wicket win for Thame. This victory means they now go back to the top of Cherwell League, Division Four, and travel to Tiddington seconds this Saturday, July 1.

Third team’s batting falls short in Run-chase

THAME thirds visited Stokenchurch secpnds, starting a pivotal run of fixtures in mid-season. Bowling first, Thame got the early breakthrough from Will Bruce-Morgan (1-33), before a swift 90 partnership put the hosts on top. Ian McStay (3-39) and Vim Desai (1-18) then put the brakes on Stokenchurch, who ended on 188-5. In reply, Thame slumped to 63-6, with only Andy Jinman (36) getting a start in the top order. From there, Tim Hester (39) and Paddy Harris (26*) gave Thame hope, but once Hester departed Thame were 137 all out. The third XI host Bletchley Town seconds this Saturday, July 1.

Thame Fourth XI lose at Dinton

THAME fourths travelled to Marsh and were put into bat. In the face of excellent Dinton bowling (O’Sullivan 7-31), Thame were soon 3-3. However, Ben Ward (15) and John Phippen (36) managed a good recovery to 94 all out. In reply, Dinton reached 95 for 2 after 16 overs to claim the win, despite good spells from Max Muncaster and John Phippen. The Fourths travel to play Abingdon Vale Fourths on Saturday.