Mushtaq 6for in vain as 1s knocked off top
Thame 1st XI travelled to Oxford Downs this past weekend. Skipper Mike Beard won the toss and chose to field. Oxford Downs’ innings had started so well, as they reached 93 without loss, but then spin twins Hassam Mushtaq (6-32, pictured below) and Andy Russell (4-41) took 9 for 51 to change the match completely. Oxford Downs were all out for 144.
Despite 45 from Ollie Burland, too many poor shots saw Thame skittled for just 124 in response, knocking them off the top of Home Counties League Division 2.
The 1s entertain Chesham on Saturday in need of a win to lift themselves back into the top 2 places.
Disappointing defeat for 2nd XI
Thame 2s faced bottom of the table Stokenchurch, at Church Meadow. Having lost the toss and being asked to bat Thame reached 108-2, but they then lost their last 8 wickets for only 20 runs, with Matt Furness (53, pictured below) and Christian Warwick (34) making useful contributions.
Stokenchurch got off to a quick start, and Thame did manage to take 4 wickets with Liam Evans taking 2-20. But a poor batting display and not enough runs handed Stokenchurch the win.
The 2nd XI travel to Oxford 2s next week.
3s game forfeited
Thame 3s match at Long Marston 3s was forfeited by the hosts. Thame took 25 points and remain top.
The 3s host 2nd placed Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts 2 next week.
4s lose in another tight contest
Thame 4s hosted Kimble 2 and after a close match earlier in the season, hopes were high for a potential upset. Losing the toss, Thame were put into bat, where the opening batsman started piling on the runs. Tim Dabbs (66, pictured below) ably assisted by Charlie Anderson (52) set the pace high before finally succumbing to Kimble’s mix of pace and spin. Unfortunately a mini-collapse mid-order saw Thame’s innings end on 182-7.
Thame’s bowlers launched an impressive early attack through Trevor Spindler (2-28) and Martin Wiles, getting Kimble’s opening batsman out fairly cheaply. Kimble rallied with wickets stalling, before spinner Dan Constant came into the bowling attack and made an instant impact with figures of 4-31. The match soon grew to a nail-biting crescendo with Kimble needing 3 runs off the last two overs, with only two wickets in hand. Sadly, a Thame victory was not on the cards though, and Kimble reached the total with 8 balls to spare.
Next week, Thame travel to struggling Didcot, with high hopes of a much-needed victory.
Women fall short in valiant effort
Thame Ladies hosted another friendly, this time against Chesham ladies – helped out by a few Beaconsfield players – at the Meadows on Sunday. Thame won the toss and fielded first. The developing strength of the home bowlers yielded early results, the first wicket to fall once again at the hands of junior Emily Neighbour in the 4th over of the match, with great economy in her 4 overs (1-11). Another great performance came from Mel White (2-13 off 6); an in-form Mel also claimed a run out with a great throw in from mid off. Two further dramatic run outs, from Beth John and Cate Teideman added to the excitement! Beth John making a welcome return from her holiday took another wicket (1-17) and Megs Woodward completed the tally with 1-26. The score at tea was 169-8 off 30 overs.
With Chesham fielding 3 county bowlers, opener Antonia Barnes did well to claim 14 runs before being run out and Thame’s batters thereon made little impact except on the stumps, and wickets fell rapidly until Beth John came to the crease and made a much needed 46. Mags Lightbody helped the revival with a confident 23 runs. In spite of a valiant effort, Thame’s ladies were all out for 141, an impressive score nevertheless. Another enjoyable match with enthusiastic supporters made for a great afternoon’s women’s cricket.