Agonising 1-run defeat for Thame cricketers at Slough

THAME Town Cricket Club’s 1st XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a nail-biting clash with top-of-the-table Slough last Saturday. A disciplined bowling display kept Slough under pressure, but a superb 106*from Conrad Louth propelled them to 271-4 declared off 62 overs. Will Sutcliffe got the chase off to a flier with a fluent 38. Enter Thame’s overseas player, Gami Kanishka, who took the fight to Slough on a turning wicket. Supported by skipper Mike Beard (61), Kanishka raced through to a fine hundred to put Thame within touching distance. When both fell at the end of a 150-run partnership, only 40 more were required but with four-an-over needed, it came down to 5 off the last over, with 2 wickets left. Callum Russell was bowled third ball and with 2 required from the final two balls, brother Andy was run out to seal defeat by just 1 run.

Gami Kanishka

Rest of the match reports from Saturday, July 28

Second XI defeat Charlbury Firsts

THE second XI, with one of their youngest sides of the season, welcomed Charlbury to Church Meadow. Tight bowling from Liam Evans and James McStay put early pressure on Charlbury’s batsmen, allowing spin-twins Dan Patey (4-63) and Ali Thomas (5-47) to rip through Charlbury’s batting, leaving them all out on 161. In reply, Thame fell to 44-3, but classy innings from the young pair of Harry Thomas (50*) and Christian Warwick (61) helped them past Charlbury’s total within 32 overs. The 2nds travel to East Oxford on Saturday for a top-of-the-table clash.

Thirds beat the rain to record fifth win on the trot

THE thirds travelled to Oxford on Saturday where Will Bruce-Morgan (2-19) and Luke Hayes caused immediate problems for Oxford fourths. However, several missed chances allowed Carey to reach 55 and it was left to Ian McStay (4-40), Vim Desai (3-30) and John Phippen (1-21) to bowl out Oxford for 152. After tea, Joe Phippen (25) and Andy Jinman (38) laid Thame’s foundations, putting on 60. Two breaks for rain then turned it into a run-chase, with Paddy Harris (23) and Pete Higson (19) bringing Thame home, by three wickets. They host Kimble seconds on Saturday.

Fourths battle wind and rain to defeat Bicester and North Oxford thirds

THAME fourths hosted Bicester & North Oxford thirds and had immediate success, with Danny Thompson (1-25) and Ed Mather (2-20) combining well. Neil Smith (3-6) and Mark Fellowes (3-15) then reduced Bicester to 91 all out. In reply, Thame started well with Tim Dabbs (40) and Tim Airstone and, despite a flurry of wickets, Smith (20*) steadied the ship as Thame won by four wickets. They next travel to promotion-chasing Cropredy thirds.

Women lose friendly against touring side

THAME’S Women hosted a side from Mistley, Colchester, on Saturday. Fielding first they got off to a tremendous start through White (3-45) and Clarke (3-26) but Mistley reached 203, thanks to captain Cornelius (106*). In reply, Thame managed 163 through White (39*), Morris (28) and John (29).

There will be a cricket softball festival at the Thame cricket ground on August 12, for Girls and Women of all ages (no experience needed). It’s free to sign up and will be a great, fun introduction to cricket. Sign-up details at www.thamecricket.org.uk