Thame Tigers win softball cricket tournament for ladies

SUNDAY saw Thame Town Cricket Club host Oxfordshire’s fifth Softball Cricket Festival of the year. Despite occasional drizzle, another great day of softball cricket was enjoyed by the 45 women and girls registered. Teams from Eynsham, Watlington and Thame played each other, with the Thame Tigers coming out on top. More details of how you can try either soft or hard ball are at http://www.thamecricket.org.uk/womens-cricket

Other match reports – Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, 12, August 2018

Young First cricketing eleven lose at Banbury

A depleted Thame First XI slipped to a heavy defeat last Saturday, away at Banbury. Bowling first, Thame’s young attack caused plenty of problems, with especially fine spells by Chris Jeffcock (1-36 off 10 overs) and youngster Jonathon Jelfs ( 1-16 from 5). Nevertheless, the lack of early reward saw Thame punished, as Banbury’s overseas Adams blasted a century to propel his side to 268-7; Hassam Mushtaq finished with 4-65. Thame’s batsmen struggled from the start, with only Mushtaq passing 30, as they were eventually skittled for just 96, in what will be an excellent learning-experience for a number of the emerging players. Thame next host Horspath at Church Meadow on Saturday, August 18.

Second Eleven thrash Shipton-Under-Wychwood

THAME Town Cricket Club’s second XI welcomed Shipton-under-Wychwood Seconds to Church Meadow. Bowling first, early breakthroughs by Ollie Chaplin (2-31) put Thame on top and were followed up by smart bowling at the end from skipper Matt Furness (3-12) and Pete Tervet (3-29), as Shipton were dismissed for a below-par 171. The target was then easily chased down by Thame’s top order of Richard Carr (64), Harry Thomas (44*) and Matt Furness (37*), securing a 9-wicket win. This puts Thame one step closer to promotion, as they travel to Witney Mills this Saturday, August 18.

Thirds gain points in rain-effected draw

THE in-form Thirds hosted an equally in-form Cumnor Thirds at Lord Williams’s School at the weekend. Cumnor batted first facing John Phippen (2-33) and Luke Hayes (1-32) and at 68-4 the game was well-poised. However, Clapton’s 74 led a big fifth-wicket partnership, as Thame dropped several catches. Tim Hester’s spell of 5-35 off 6 overs then cut short their charge, as Cumnor were all out for 207. In reply, Thame slumped to 32-4 on a pitch of variable bounce, but recovered thanks largely to Zahid Hussain’s hard-hitting 48*, finishing on 113-5 when rain ended the day. The 3rds can take a huge step towards promotion when they face Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescript Thirds this Saturday at Islip.

Fourths convincingly defeat Shipton-Under-Wychwood

THAME Fourths travelled to play Shipton-under-Wychwood Fourths, where frugal bowling from Ed Mather (2-21 off 9), Neil Smith (2- 13 off 8) and Shay Reading (2-26 off 9) limited the hosts to 107 all out. With rain-clouds threatening, Thame’s openers hurried to chase down the target, with an opening partnership of 71 between Mark Fellowes (58*) and Tim Dabbs (34). Thame passed the Shipton total, for just one wicket, within 13 overs and more importantly beat the rain, thus cementing fifth position, as they welcome fourth-placed Didcot this Saturday.