10-wicket defeat for the 1s
Thame 1st XI travelled to 3rd-placed Henley, in desperate need of a win to kick off the quest for survival. Henley won the toss, and put Thame into bat. In another disastrous batting display, the Meadowmen were all out for 73 after 25.4 overs, with skipper Mike Beard (37) providing some resistance.
Henley then coasted their way to victory, reaching 74-0 from just 10.1 overs.
Thame play an equally out-of-form High Wycombe next Saturday, at Church Meadow.
2s slip up but remain in 2nd place
Thame 2nd XI welcomed Brackley to the Meadow. Batting first, Thame continually lost wickets with skipper Matt Furness (55, pictured below) the only one to put up much resistance to Brackley’s bowling attack. This left Thame on an under-par 127.
Despite some early wickets, a half-century from Brackley batsman Luke Stone meant that Brackley chased down Thame’s total quite comfortably with 5 wickets remaining. Wickets were shared 1-apiece by James McStay, Dan Patey, Alistair Thomas and Rafe Dickie, with an Alex Bell run out.
The 2nd XI face Long Marston next week, hoping to secure their spot in the promotion places.
3s come out on top in seesaw match
The 3s travelled to Kingston Bagpuize on Saturday, arriving to a green rectangular oasis in an otherwise brown, parched wasteland. Winning the toss, Thame chose to field in the hot sun and got off to the perfect start, with Rob Tomlin (3-29, pictured below) and James Olliver (2-13) putting the hosts in a hole at 19-5. Murray (35) and Temple (39) then frustrated Thame in the middle overs as they dug Bagpuize out of a hole, against tight bowling from John Phippen and young debutant, Max Muncaster. It was left to spin twins, Ian McStay (2-31) and Tim Hester (2-20), combined with a good run out by James Oliver and two Harris catches, to eventually prise out the remaining batsmen – the final total was 136 from 40.1 overs.
After the tea interval, Thame emerged refreshed and started quickly on the fast outfield. However, they were quickly pegged back to 41-4, not helped by some dubious umpiring, with only Andy Jinman (27) getting runs. There followed the match-winning partnership between Ian Chappell (42*) and Ian McStay (28), which took Thame to within sight of the win. Paddy Harris played the finisher role admirably and was 17*, as the match finished after 28 overs, in a scorer-induced confusion.
Thame 3rds welcome Bledlow Ridge 2nds to LWS ground next Saturday.
4s impress in winning draw
On a scorching summer’s day, Thame hosted Abingdon Vale, having beaten them 2 weeks previous. Losing the toss, Thame were put into bat and started well with Tim Dabbs (17) and Shay Reading (17). Tim Airstone then scored a masterful 75, supported by Josh Edworthy (22), before Neil Smith and Edward Mather weathered Abingdon’s late hat-trick hero, Siriwardene, to see out the overs at 190-9.
On a variable wicket, Thame felt optimistic. Danny Thompson returned from injury, with figures of 3-43, including the scalp of dangerous opener, Rahim. Neil Smith (2-31), Shay Reading (2-26) and some miserly bowling from Ed Mather (0-16 off 9 overs), pinned the Vale back. Thame were excellent in the field, but despite all this, the match seemed destined for a draw. A late flurry of wickets offered hope, but Abingdon finished on 174-8 – taking 16 points, while Thame took 18.
Thame next play away to Westbury 3.
Women (plus a few 4th teamers) take on Men in Friendly
Thame’s women (plus a few partners and sons) took on North Marston men on Sunday. For some of Thame’s women, playing against men was a new experience but they showed no fear. Any complacency from the opposition quickly disappeared, as bowler Lina Budde-Manning (1-20) dispatched their opening batsman in the first over! Further wickets were taken by “Pistol” Pete Higson (2-39), Sally Brentnall (2-24), and a stunning 3 wickets from 13 year old Ollie Barnes (3-28), making both his (playing) parents simultaneously immensely proud and a little envious. In spite of valiant bowling and fielding efforts by Thame, the superior striking power of the opposition left the women with a target of 263.
In reply, Higson posted most runs (34), followed by Tony Barnes (16) and Tim Dabbs (13). Contributions from the women came from Sarah Sanderson (8), Mel White (3), Antonia Barnes (5) and Barnes junior (6) showing that he is just as handy with a bat as the ball. In spite of this spirited batting riposte, Thame’s efforts ended at 91 all out.
Both teams enjoyed the afternoon’s cricket and plans are afoot for a return fixture next season.
