Latest match reports from Thame Town CC

Valiant effort in defeat by Thame’s cricketing women – WITH The Meadows at its most perfect on a beautiful late summer afternoon, Thame’s women played their return league fixture against Oxford seconds on Sunday.

Thame fielded first, but in spite of some good bowling all round and wickets from Mel White (1-28), Megs Woodward (2-30), Leanne Harris (1-43) and 2 run outs (Sarah Sanderson and Woodward), Oxford reached an impressive target of 214-6, their 13 year old making the highest score of the match at 56 not out.
After a strong performance, Thame’s bowlers were afflicted by an attack of wides towards the end of the innings helping boost Oxford’s tally. However there was nothing wobbly about Thame’s delicious tea, provided by Lina Budde-Manning and her mum, and much applauded all round! Refreshed by lemon drizzle cake, in reply, Thame made 143-8 off their 30 overs, top scorer Woodward with 37 runs and a solid performance by Claire Morris 26 not out.

Whilst disappointed not to have repeated their impressive batting against the Barbarians two weeks previously, Thame’s women nevertheless improved on their first meeting with Oxford earlier in the season by 40 runs.

The women’s team still have two league games left to close out the season – hosting Cookham Dean next Sunday, September 16.

How did the men fare ?

PROMOTION winning Thame Town CC 1st XI faced Amersham at home on the final day of the season on Saturday, September 7 . 

Needing just three points to be confirmed as champions, Hassam Mushtaq (3-52) trapped Bruce Friderichs lbw to take Amersham’s 5th wicket and secure the Championship. Earlier, Chris Jeffcock had produced a masterful display of swing bowling, bowling 10 overs with the new ball on his way to 2-21. He was well supported by club legend Mike Higgs, who continued his fine form from last weeks win against Harefield with 2-29. Some fine hitting from Amersham overseas Maduka (63) saw his side reach a very competitive 201.

With Amersham needing a win to guarantee safety, Thame set nerves jangling with a strong 68 run opening partnership between Mike Beard and Ollie Burland. Burland’s dismissal for 33 saw the start of a tumble of wickets however, despite the run rate remaining very achievable. When Beard fell for 68, the end was nigh and Thame ultimately were dismissed for 172.

Despite defeat, Thame secure an immediate return to the top flight, this time as champions.

Impressive win closes 2nd XI season

THE 2nd XI headed over to play 4th placed East Oxford. Winning the toss on a green grassy wicket, allowed Thame to make early inroads into East Oxford’s batting, with Jonathan Jelfs’ (4-33) aggressive bowling claiming the ‘top four’ in his first four overs, putting Thame on the front foot. Supported by excellent catching, Fahad Majeed (4-22) and Luke Hayes (2-19), then completed the rout, bowling out East Oxford for 96 in 24 overs.

Chasing down the target, Harry Thomas and George Patey got Thame off to a good start, putting on 38 for the first wicket, before Matt Furness and Rafe Dickie finished off the innings in quick time, and a 3.10pm finish.

In their first season in Division Three, Thame Town seconds secured fifth place, after this resounding win.

Thirds take Division Eight title despite the end of along winning-streak

DIVISION 8 winners, Thame thirds entertained second-placed Buckingham fourths last Saturday. Having won the toss, Thame decided to bowl first and once again Nick Humphries (3-29) and Pete Tervet (1-22) combined well to restrict the scoring. However, a late charge with strong hitting from the middle order meant that Buckingham reached a very competitive 188-8 off 45 overs.

After a lovely Avery family tea, Thame resumed to attempt the run chase. Guy Holmes (68) led from the front, but two suicidal run-outs came at critical times, with Justin Avery well set on 21, so that Thame fell short by 28 runs and were all out for 160. In the end, Buckingham fourths were desperate for the win, which brought them promotion and they duly join Thame in Division Seven next season.

Despite this reverse, after 11 straight wins on the bounce, Thame thirds move up to Division Seven in a really positive frame of mind.

Fourths a respectable seventh-place in Cherwell Division Nine

THE final day of the season saw thame fourths make the trip to Dinton. Having lost the toss Thame were elected to bat first on a sodden wicket. The poor wicket proved tricky for the top order Thame bats with the exception of Andy Johnston making a quick fire 22.

Thame, however were in trouble losing five wickets before Rob Kenny (34*), Shay Reading (15) and Pete Higson (22) took the score to a respectful 152-8 off the allotted 45 overs.

In reply, Thame struck early with three quick wickets between Chris Penny and Trevor Spindler before the improving wicket came to Dinton’s aid. Dinton’s middle order dug in to secure vital runs in the run chase and eventually overhauling Thames total in the 41st over. Gallant effort from the bowling attack of Penny (3-25 off 9) and Spindler (2-19 off 10).

Great effort once again from the fourths who secured seventh place in their inaugural season in Division Nine, after an unexpected promotion in a league reshuffle.