Nail-biting finish as 1s come out on top
Thame 1st XI started their HCPL campaign at home to newly promoted Wargrave. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Thame got off to a solid start, reaching 50 before losing skipper Mike Beard for 20. Ollie Burland (pictured below) continued his fine form from last year on his was to 52, and new signing Shahbaz Meer struck a quick fire 34 to leave Thame nicely placed at 110-3. However, Thame’s middle order struggled to move the score along, with only James Adams (34*) and Andy Russell (25*) able to get going as the innings stuttered to 186-8 off the 40 overs.
Faisal Ali (3-31) produced a fine opening spell to put Wargrave on the back foot, and after Hassam Mushtaq took 3-20, the game looked to be won. However, the Wargrave lower order showed great fight, and with just 11 required from the last over, it was left to Jonathon Jelfs to bowl the decisive over for Thame, taking a wicket in the process as Wargrave finished 3 runs short.
The 1st XI travel to Amersham on Saturday.
2nd XI fightback twice to get win
The newly arranged fixtures found Thame 2s in tier 2a and facing stokenchurch away for the first league game of the season. After winning the toss, captain Oli Sutcliffe chose to bowl first – a decision that didn’t look brilliant as Stokenchurch stormed to 92-0 after just 10 overs. However, strong spells from debutant Greg Jenkins (3-28) and Rob Johnson (4-26, pictured below) saw the collapse of Stokenchurch’s lower order to 178 all out.
In return, Thame got off to a shaky start finding themselves 35-3 after 6 overs. After this point, Thame started to look comfortable with brothers Christian (76) and Ben Warwick (27) putting on an 88 run partnership. When Ben was dismissed, a quick fire 33 from Oli Sutcliffe saw Thame over the line with 9 overs to spare. A great show of strength for the league season to come!
The 2s host Oxford Downs next Saturday.
Strong start for 3s as they chase down Cropredy 4s
Thame 3rd XI travelled to Cropredy to take on their newly-formed 4th XI. Winning the toss, Thame chose to bowl – this proved to be a good choice after the very first ball, as Nick Humphries (2-18) got the Cropredy opener LBW. ‘Pistol’ Pete Higson (pictured below) was the star of the show, his pace taking 4-23 including a wonder catch from Ian McStay, who himself polished off the tail with 2-5.
Chasing 98, the openers started strongly with a 50 partnership between Nick Fuller (30) and Joe Phippen (20) – the later being bowled the first ball of the innings, for it to be called a no ball. Cropredy Captain, Covacic, picked up a late flurry of wickets but Paddy Harris (17*) and Higson saw the boys to a 6 wicket win with 15 overs to spare.
The 3s host Bletchley Town 2 next at Lord Williams’ School.
Impressive 4s brush aside Witney Mills
Thame 4s began Tier 6 life hosting Witney Mills 3 at Lord Williams’ Upper School. The visitors won the toss, and asked Thame to bat. Charlie Anderson opened with a brilliant 79, accompanied by Taylor Vines’ 62*, in a partnership that built the bulk of Thame’s score of 202-4 from 40 overs.
Witney Mills started slow and steady in response, before bowling changes saw the match swing into Thame’s favour. Ed Mather (pictured below) took 5-11, backed up by Martin Wiles’ 3-14, to rip through the top and middle order. A wicket apiece for Trevor Spindler and Max Muncaster, meant Witney Mills were all out for just 87.
The 4th XI have a week off of competitive action next week, facing Tiddington 3 in a friendly.
Thame’s Women test themselves against strong Henley side
Thame Ladies had a promising start to their season away at Henley on Sunday, facing a strong side of predominantly county players. Thame elected to bat first and were tested by excellent bowling and sharp fielding. Despite struggling to get past the square, discipline and patience was displayed resulting in several steady partnerships led by Michelle Wells (19) and Sally Brentnall (10), contributing to a hard fought 64-8 from 30.
Following tea, debutants Ava Gabriele and Laura Bradley shone with outstanding fielding, and a difficult catch made to look effortless by Ava. Thame bowled well, Leanne Harris with figured of 4-0-23-1, as runs were restricted to singles where possible. Henley’s experience however helped them find the gaps with some great shots, reaching 65-1 from 8. Playing on, Henley ended on 126-2 from 18.
Despite a challenging match Thame remained focused and motivated, doing themselves proud and are certainly in for a great season with lots of talent in the squad.
Sunday Men add to Super Saturday
Coming off 4 wins out of 4 for Thames Saturday men’s team – Thame’s Sunday side, the Saxons, travelled to face Sydenham.
Continuing the theme of an unusual year, Captain Tim Dabbs won a toss, choosing to bowl. Alex Tervet (pictured below) made his senior men’s team debut at the age of 12 and soon made an impact taking 2 early wickets. Thame eventually limiting the opposition to 147 the allotted 35 overs.
Saxons made strong progress in response. Club debutant Toby Baker knocked up an impressive 66 to set Thame 11 to win off the last over. After some innovative stroke play by Peter Higson, Thame took the victory with a 4 off the last ball!
Next Sunday, the Saxons face Great Missenden Pelicans at home at Church Meadow.
