Weekly roundup – Brilliant season closes with 1st XI sealing the title! 7/9

1s secure HCPCL Div 2 title despite defeat

Promotion winning Thame 1st XI faced Amersham at home on the final day of the season. Needing just three points to be confirmed as champions, Hassam Mushtaq (3-52) trapped Bruce Friderichs lbw to take Amersham’s 5th wicket and secure the Championship. Earlier, Chris Jeffcock had produced a masterful display of swing bowling, bowling 10 overs with the new ball on his way to 2-21. He was well supported by club legend Mike Higgs, who continued his fine form from last weeks win against Harefield with 2-29. Some fine hitting from Amersham overseas Maduka (63) saw his side reach a very competitive 201.

With Amersham needing a win to guarantee safety, Thame sets nerves jangling with a strong 68 run opening partnership between Mike Beard and Ollie Burland. Burland’s dismissal for 33 saw the start of a tumble of wickets however, despite the run rate remaining very achievable. When Beard fell for 68, the end was nigh and Thame ultimately were dismissed for 172.

Despite defeat, Thame secure an immediate return to the top flight, this time as champions.


Impressive win closes 2nd XI season

The 2nd XI headed over to play 4th placed East Oxford. Winning the toss on a green grassy wicket, allowed Thame to make early inroads into East Oxford’s batting, with Jonathan Jelfs’ (4-33) aggressive bowling claiming the “top four” in his first 4 overs, putting Thame on the front foot. Supported by excellent catching, Fahad Majeed (4-22) and Luke Hayes (2-19), then completed the rout, bowling out East Oxford for 96 in 24 overs.

Chasing down the target, Harry Thomas and George Patey got Thame off to a good start, putting on 38 for the first wicket, before Matt Furness and Rafe Dickie finished off the innings in quick time, and a 3.10pm finish.

In their first season in Division 3, Thame Town 2’s secured 5th place, after this resounding win.


3s take Div 8 title despite long winning streak ending

Division 8 winners Thame 3rds entertained second-placed Buckingham 4ths last Saturday. Having won the toss, Thame decided to bowl first and once again Nick Humphries (3-29) and Pete Tervet (1-22) combined well to restrict the scoring. However, a late charge with strong hitting from the middle order meant that Buckingham reached a very competitive 188-8 off 45 overs.

After a lovely Avery family tea, Thame resumed to attempt the run chase. Guy Holmes (68) led from the front, but two suicidal run-outs came at critical times, with Justin Avery well set on 21, so that Thame fell short by 28 runs and were all out for 160. In the end, Buckingham 4ths were desperate for the win, which brought them promotion and they duly join Thame in Division 7 next season.

Despite this reverse, after 11 straight wins on the bounce, Thame 3rds move up to Division 7 in a really positive frame of mind.


4s finish in respectable 7th

The final day of the season saw thame 4s make the trip to Dinton. Having lost the toss Thame were elected to bat first on a sodden wicket. The poor wicket proved tricky for the top order Thame bats with the exception of Andy Johnston making a quick fire 22. Thame, however were in trouble losing 5 wickets before Rob Kenny (34*), Shay Reading (15) and Pete Higson (22) took the score to a respectful 152-8 off the allotted 45 overs.

In reply, Thame struck early with 3 quick wickets between Chris Penny and Trevor Spindler before the improving wicket came to Dinton’s aid. Dinton’s middle order dug in to secure vital runs in the run chase and eventually overhauling Thames total in the 41st over. Gallant effort from the bowling attack of Penny (3-25 off 9) and Spindler (2-19 off 10).

Great effort once again from the 4s who secured 7th place in their inaugural season in Division 9, after an unexpected promotion in a league reshuffle.


Valiant effort in defeat by Thame’s Women

With The Meadows at its most perfect on a beautiful late summer afternoon, Thame’s women played their return league fixture against Oxford 2nds on Sunday. Thame fielded first, but in spite of some good bowling all round and wickets from Mel White (1-28), Megs Woodward (2-30), Leanne Harris (1-43) and 2 run outs (Sarah Sanderson and Woodward), Oxford reached an impressive target of 214-6, their 13 year old making the highest score of the match at 56 not out. After a strong performance, Thame’s bowlers were afflicted by an attack of wides towards the end of the innings helping boost Oxford’s tally.

However there was nothing wobbly about Thame’s delicious tea, provided by Lina Budde-Manning and her mum, and much applauded all round! Refreshed by lemon drizzle cake, in reply, Thame made 143-8 off their 30 overs, top scorer Woodward with 37 runs and a solid performance by Claire Morris 26 not out. Whilst disappointed not to have repeated their impressive batting against the Barbarians 2 weeks previously, Thame’s women nevertheless improved on their first meeting with Oxford earlier in the season by 40 runs.

The women’s team still have 2 league games left to close out the season – hosting Cookham Dean next Sunday.

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