1st XI bowlers nearly save the day after poor batting
Thame 1sts put in another disappointing batting display against Oxford as they lost by 3 wickets, away at Jordan Hill last Saturday. After being put into bat, they progressed well to reach 88 for 4 at lunch. After lunch however, they collapsed, losing 6 wickets for 9 runs.
In reply, Oxford started brightly but had lost 7 wickets before reaching their target of 98, thanks to good bowling by Hassam Mushtaq (4 for 59, pictured right) and Adam Phippen (3 for 11). Thame travel to bottom-of-the-table side Gerrards Cross on the 9th and need a win to change their fortunes.
Another comfortable win for the 2nd XI
Thame 2nds welcomed Cumnor 2nds to Church Meadow last Saturday, needing a win to stay at the top of Division 5 of the Cherwell League. After Cumnor had lost the toss and been asked to bat, but with the visitors reaching 120 for 2, Thame were left pondering the wisdom of their decision. However, wickets from Chris Penny (3-52) and Ali Thomas (4-44), supported by Chris Jeffcock (3-40) then reduced Cumnor to 165 all out in 50 overs.
After tea, Thame set off in a hurry, scoring at over 5-an-over, with 53 on the board before the first wicket fell. Richard Carr (45) then handed over to James Adams (53 not out, pictured left) and Justin Avery (44 not out), as Thame reached their target in the 41st over. They entertain Bledlow Ridge 1sts this Saturday at Church Meadow.
3rd XI close gap on league leaders with a fruitful draw
Thame 3rd XI took on Bicester & North Oxford 3rd XI at Lord Williams’ Upper School Ground, looking to close the gap on the league leaders Buckingham Town, who were not playing this week. Thame again lost the toss and were put into bat. Joe Phippen opened with 28, and Christian Warwick came in at number 3 scoring 70 not out. Their partnership, and the loss of few wickets, allowed Scott Chappell (20) and Ian Chappell (16 not out) to come in and free their arms with Warwick towards the end to get Thame up to 180-4 off of their 45 overs.
In response, Bicester & North Oxford started badly, with Will Bruce-Morgan and Nick Fuller again opening the bowling with great effect, picking up a wicket each. The visitors next batsmen were proving difficult to dislodge, combined with several drops in the field, they were on course to challenge Thame’s total at 100-2. A Christian Warwick runout swung things back Thame’s way, then Skipper Vimal Desai came on and took 3-20, and John Phippen took 2-13 adding another runout too. This meant Thame needed 1 wicket to win but just couldn’t get over the line, Bicester & North Oxford finished on 115-9. Frustrating, but 20 points were gained, leaving Thame 6 points off the top.
Man of the match was Christian Warwick for his 70 not out. Thank you to Sam Chappell for an incredible tea once again. Thank you also to Tosh Bruce-Morgan for scoring.