Burland Century leads 1st XI to big win
Thame 1st XI travelled to struggling Dinton. After winning the toss and batting, openers Mike Beard (29) and Ollie Burland put on 59 for the first wicket. Beard’s dismissal only brought Cal Russell to the crease, and those two set about the Dinton bowling. Russell was eventually dismissed for 70, but Burland went through to a fine century. Some late hitting from Dev Warner (33), allowed Thame the luxury of declaring on 287-5 in 52 overs.
Jo Van Dyk struck in the first over of Dinton’s reply, and their response never got going. Three wickets apiece for Van Dyk, Faisal Ali and Andy Russell saw the hosts dismissed for just 104 – a win by 183 runs.
Thame sit third in the league and face second placed Harefield next weekend.
Late rallies not enough as 2s are defeated at home
Thame 2s hosted Oxford Downs IIs and losing the toss were put into bat. Thame made a good start with Richard Carr making 41, and support from James Nielson and Rafe Dickie. However, a middle order collapse left Thame staring down the barrel. A good final wicket partnership between Liam Evans and James McStay got Thame up to 179 off their 53 overs, which was slightly under par.
Thame started well restricting Oxford Downs to 81-4 – Alaistair Thomas taking 2-54. However, a 5th wicket partnership of 73 put Thame out of the game. Despite a couple of late wickets Downs chased the total with 7 wickets down.
The 2s look to get back on track at Sandford St. Martin next week.
3s stay 2nd after dominating at Shipton
Thame travelled to Shipton Under-Wychwood, on a hot barmy day. Having won the toss, Shipton were inserted into bat on a small but well kept ground. Thame bowlers, supported by pumped up fielding teammates, dominated early, and reduced the home side to 16-5 at 11 overs. James Olliver (2-14) and Luke Hayes (3-15) putting the sword to the opposition with excellent pace and movement. A fifth wicket partnership of 40 steadied the ship but veteran Ian McStay (4-30) and Rob Tomlin (1-33) made sure that the momentum stayed with Thame. With a few streaky shots from the lower order, Shipton limped to 120 all out at 32 overs.
In reply, Paddy Harris (9) and Nick Fuller (39, pictured below) put on a solid opening partnership ensuring that there were no early hiccups. Nick Fuller was the spine of the run chase, almost carrying his bat but was caught at cover after a rare miss-timed shot. Nick was well supported by Guy Holmes (20), and Zahid Hussain (17). However, with the hard work done, skipper Vim Desai (14*) was delighted to hit the winning runs inside 33 overs and celebrate a well-executed 5 wicket win and 25 points.
Thame 3s next take on 5th placed Abingdon Vale 3’s at home.
Close defeat for 4s in low-scoring match
The 4th XI hosted Bledlow Ridge 2s at Lord Williams’ School. Bledlow won the toss, and asked Thame to bat on a tricky wicket.
The tricky wicket proved to be, as Thame struggled from the off, losing the top 4 for without any batsmen reaching double figures. Tim Dabbs (29) came in and counter-attacked to great effect, before Max Muncaster (31) ground out Thame’s top score with the aid of a runner. Thame limped to 108 all out.
In response, Thame had Bledlow in trouble at 8-2, and continued to take wickets with Ed Mather (3-31, pictured below), Rob Kenny (2-17) and Chris Penny (2-30) making the game a tight contest. A strong 7th wicket partnership took Bledlow to the brink, before Martin Wiles (1-11) and Kenny’s 2nd gave Thame hope of an unlikely victory. Bledlow took their time to hit the winning runs, but did so with 8 overs to spare.
The 4s travel to Tiddington 3 next.
Women’s team get first victory in new league
Thame travelled to Cookham Dean for their 2nd league fixture on Sunday. Having beaten them twice last year in close fought matches, Thame were once again hopeful of victory. Thame lost the toss and batted first. Antonia Barnes (6) and Beth John (15) dug in as openers, the momentum picked up by Megs Woodward on 31. The Cookham Dean bowlers were a challenge for Thame who lost Mel White, Mags Lightbody and Bridget Cooper before Sarah Sanderson steadied Thame’s innings with 22. Thame reached 132 all out.
After tea, Thame’s bowling attack caught Cookham Dean unawares, with a stand-out performance from youngster Emily Neighbour who claimed 3 wickets including 1 maiden and a stunning caught and bowled (3-15 off 6). Wickets also fell thanks to Beth John (1-23), Mel White (1-15 and a maiden over) and Claire Morris (1-23). Although victory for Thame seemed increasingly likely, Cookham brought on a slogger in the last 2 overs who hit 4 quick fours, and pushed Thame out to the boundary. But Thame rose to the challenge, claiming victory as Cookham Dean could only make 118-8.
