Cricket matches to start again in Thame!

THE long-awaited start to the club Cricket season will commence in Thame this weekend, following government approval. 

The ECB has confirmed that 11-a-side cricket matches can now be played provided several safety measures are adhered to. Amongst the measures are – ‘hygiene breaks’, which should take place every six overs or every 20 minutes and should include hand sanitisation and the cleaning of the ball; no sweat or saliva is to be applied to the ball at any time; players to remain socially-distanced at all times; batters are to run along distinct running lines to ensure they are not within 2m of the bowler or other batter; players should bring their own food and drink for ‘teas’; water bottles or other refreshment containers should not be shared; spectators should remain socially-distanced at all times and refrain from all contact with the ball e.g. returning it to the field-of-play and spectator groups must be restricted to discrete groups of six people and spread out, in line with wider UK Government guidance. 

Matt Swain TTCC Chairman said: “The start to the season has been long and eagerly awaited and we are raring to go this weekend with some adult, warm-up games followed by league matches from Saturday, July 18. Thanks to the continued hard work of our ground team over the last three months, the pitch has been well maintained and prepared in readiness for this start-up. 

“Our games this Saturday are against Aston Rowant (at 1st and 2nd XI level), who we naturally socially-distance ourselves from anyway, and on Sunday, the squads of the 3rd and 4th XIs will play a warm-up match.     

“I would like to thank our principal sponsors, J Bennett & Son, Field Sales Solutions, Kubota and Farol for their continued support this year during a very difficult time for everyone. Their contribution to this club and in turn our contribution to the community of Thame is hugely valued, and we look forward to welcoming them, our other sponsors, supporters and spectators to the club once again. 

“The bar will be open to the public from 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, with everyone welcome, provided you adhere to the safety guidance which has been put in place.”