1st XI secure finals day after outstanding bowling performance
Thame travelled to Jordan Hill to play in a crucial game that could see either team secure a finals day at Wormsley. A partnership of 45 between Matt Furness (35*) and Mike Higgs (29) was the only highlight of the Thame innings as they only managed a very below par 112.
However, in T20, runs on the board are crucial. Chris Jeffcock (pictured right) bowled a devastating spell of 4-11, taking all Oxford’s top 4 wickets. This, along with Gamindu Kanishka (2-16), Adam Phippen (1-19) and Mike Higgs (1-30) ensured Thame bowled to their full potential and kept the Oxford run rate down. Tight bowling near the end meant that Oxford fell 7 runs short, after needing 12 from the final over.
1st XI saved by rain on tricky away day at Great Brickhill
After losing an important toss, Thame’s openers tucked into some loose bowling as runs flowed quickly. Callum Russell (44) in particular showed great timing, but the Brickhill bowlers gradually gained control and started to utilise helpful conditions. Thame lost 3 wickets in quick succession, and it was left to skipper Mike Beard (46) to consolidate the innings. Beard fell on the stroke of lunch, and after the break Brickhill took control. Hassam Mushtaq struck a superb 49* but support wasn’t forthcoming, Thame bowled out for 203.
In reply, Brickhill’s overseas pro Ruben Clinton smashed 64 off just 45 balls to get the chase off to the best possible start. Thame’s bowling unit has been ever reliable this season, but in a rare poor display Brickhill’s batsman were plenty good enough to take advantage. The score had moved to 144-1 when rained intervened, ultimately denying Brickhill what would have been a well deserved first victory of the season.
Thame remain 4th in HCPL 2 and host Shipton next week in the final timed game of the season.
Rain stops 2nd XIs run chase against league leaders
Thame 2nd XI faced league leaders Minster Lovell 1st XI at the weekend. Losing the toss and getting put in to bat, Minster got off to a fairly decent start before some excellent catches slowed their momentum. However, a strong partnership between Tinsley (68) and Simpson (72*) allowed Minster to avoid collapsing, propelling them to a total of 255 runs.
After reaching 40 for no wickets, heavy rain stopped Thame’s innings. After this point, the rain showed no signs of stopping and the game was abandoned for a second week in a row.
Thame 2nd XI travel to play Shipton-under-Wychwood next week.
Thame 3s continue their promotion push with a home win
Thame 3s beat local rivals Tiddington 3s by 3 wickets on a dreary overcast day at home. Having won the toss and with the threat of rain, Thame asked Tiddington to bat. Once again, some aggressive and disciplined bowling, backed up with some excellent fielding meant wickets fell regularly and the run-rate was restricted. Conscious of the potential of rain, Thame bowlers could be seen hurrying back to their run-ups in order to beat the weather. The opposition were eventually bowled out in 39 overs for a below par total of 77. This total could have been further restricted, had it not been for 4 spilled catches and a bizarre accidental backward missile-style throw over the boundary by Pete Tervet to concede additional runs. Wickets were shared around by Vimal Desai (3), Ian McStay (2), Pete Tervet (2), Will B-Morgan (2) and James McStay (1).
In reply Thame made hard work of the chase with only two batsman making double figures, Andy Jinman (31, pictured left) and Olly Sutcliffe (14). When opener and man of the match, Jinman, eventually departed, the home side only needed 7 runs to win. Thame were relieved they managed to scramble to victory inside 24 overs, with 3 wickets to spare, beating both Tiddington and the weather.
Thame 3s next take on Challow & Childrey away for another crunch game and will be hoping for a more clinical and assured batting performance to supplement their confident and composed bowling attack!
Tuesday Friendly gives Youngsters a chance to shine
Last Tuesday 25th, a Thame XI welcomed an I.A.S. side from Aylesbury for a T20 friendly. The visitors batted first and were pegged back to a total of 116 by the fall of regular wickets. The pick of the Thame bowlers were Mark Fellowes (4-18) and Tynan Crockett (2-16), with 1 wicket each for Jamie Wiles, Lewis Ludlam and Will Vaughan.
In reply, Thame struggled from the start to match the required run rate and, once Adam Phippen (23) was out, prospects looked bleak. Youngsters Vaughan (13*) and Crockett (13*) kept the tight I.A.S. bowling attack at bay but the innings eventually petered out at 79 for 6.