Russell’s magnificent century steers 1s to victory
The 1st XI faced Harefield at home. After losing the toss and being forced into the field on the hottest day of the year, Thame’s prolific new ball pairing Faisal Ali and Jo Van Dyk dismantled the Harefield top order, reducing them to 40-5. Harefield fought back well as Thame wilted in the sun, eventually reaching 182 all out, Ali finishing with 4-24.
The Thame reply started poorly with the loss of both openers, but Callum Russell (pictured below) appeared to be batting on a different surface at times, as he moved through the gears fluently in making a fine 117 not out. He found support in Hassam Mushtaq, who finished 44 not out, as Thame got home for the loss of just four wickets.
Thame travel to Amersham next weekend, and currently sit second in the league table.
2s lose at Sandford St Martin
The Meadowmen won the toss and elected to bat first on a glorious day at Sandford St Martin. Thame made a strong start with Richard Carr making a quick fire 36, which was supported by Harry Thomas 32 and Rafe Dickie 40. However the middle order struggled to kick on to post an intimidating total and ultimately finished with a below par score of 199.
Wickets were hard to come by in the field for Thame due to some excellent hitting from Sandford St Martin’s opening batsman, Dobson, who blasted his way to 126 which put the game to bed and Thame ended up losing by 6 wickets.
The 2s host East Oxford next.
Jinman ton gives 3s another huge win
The 3s hosted Abingdon Vale, at a temporary home venue of Stanton St John. Having lost the toss, Thame were inserted into bat on a good wicket. In form opener, Andy Jinman (114*, pictured below) led the charge and made the opposition toll on the hottest day of the year thus far. Despite some excellent fielding, Andy built strong partnerships with Guy Holmes (29) and Fahad Majeed (31), the later who entertained with some strong hitting, including two huge sixes. It was however man of the match Andy who, with regular liquid breaks carried his bat to ensure Thame reached very competitive 237.
Abingdon Vale, in reply, showed no intention of attempting to chase down the total and attempted to “shut up shop”. Thame bowlers refused to be down hearted by the negative approach and stuck to the basics of line and length, and were also supported by some energetic fielding. On such a hot day, skipper Vim Desai, rotated the bowlers to good effect with all bowlers putting in a good shift. The pick of the bowlers being Luke Hayes 2-18; Ian McStay 3-27 and Fahad 2-2. Abingdon were finally bowled out for 100 inside 37 overs.
Thame 3s play Buckingham 4s away for a top of the table clash.
Agonising 1-run defeat for 4th XI
On Saturday, Thame 4s travelled to Tiddington to face the league leaders on a sweltering day in great Haseley. Having won the toss, Thame put the hosts into bat. Tiddington made a strong start in the heat putting on an opening partnership of 60 before Thame eventually struck through Neil Smith. More wickets quickly followed after the introduction of Dan Constant (pictured below) who took an impressive 7 wickets in his 13 over spell – eventually posting 7-38 of 13. Tiddington eventually ended on 131-8 off their 45 overs.
In response, a number of Thame batters made starts and gradually made hay in the run total. Contributions from Dabbs (22), Johnston (20) and Penny (18*) brought Thame within touching distance with 5 overs to go. Shepherded by Penny the tail began to fall, as Thame came with in two runs of victory, before Thame finally lost their last wicket in the 41st over. A brave effort by Thame against the league leaders eventually losing by 1 run.
Next week Thame host Dinton 3s.
