The Win-Lose format returned this week for our Saturday sides and the 1st XI travelled to title-chasing Datchet, who won the toss and batted. Thame picked up 2 early wickets, but Thomas (104) set up the innings for a swift push later on up to a strong 346-8. Alex Browne, Captain Hassam Mushtaq and Dinny Malan each took 2 wickets. Thame’s top order all got starts led by Alex Tervet (58). He shared a strong partnership for the 3rd wicket with Jonathon Jelfs (34), but nobody could go on to get that big score and Thame ended 229 all out. Placed 5th, the 1s host 6th Stoke Green next.
The 2nds hosted Horspath 3 at Church Meadow, won the toss and batted. James Neilson (55) opened and shared a 91 partnership with Rob Johnson (54) for the 3rd wicket, before Daniel Tervet hit 29 as the lower-middle order all contributed to 224-6. Horspath reached 51 before Robin Sutcliffe (3-41) broke through. Jeremy Batty (4-32) then spun Thame on top as Horspath slipped to 125-7. From there, an unbroken partnership of 101 for the 8th wicket took the visitors to an unlikely victory. Bonus points move Thame up to 6th, and they go to 8th Wolverton next.
Unbeaten in 7 games, the 3rd XI went to Risignhurst 2 and were invited to bowl. Muhammed Amin spun 3-16 while Nick Humphries and young Daniel Tilley took 2 wickets each to skittle Risinghurst for just 98. After losing the openers cheaply, Captain Rob Tomlin (39*) and Harshi Wijerathna (35*) combined to cruise Thame to an 8 wicket victory! Sitting 4th and in touch of the 2nd promotion place, the 3s host runaway leaders Oxenford 3 next.
Thame 4th XI welcomed league-leaders Gully 2 to Lord Williams’ School, in a top of the table clash. Gully chose to bat. Trevor Spindler (4-17) removed the top 3 as Gully’s top 4 contributed just 4 runs. Ben Batty and Shay Reading got 2 wickets apiece as the middle and lower order rallied to 150 all out. Chairman Tim Dabbs (31) opened as Thame always looked on top, losing the odd wicket. Young Loe Fasanya (29*) got Thame to a 5-wicket win in the 40th over! The 4s knock Gully 2 off of top spot and go to 7th Waddesdon 3 next.
There was no league action for the Women’s XI this week, but there was Hundred action on Friday night. In a joint venture with Horspath, our Women’s side took on Steventon and were beaten by 84 runs. On Sunday, the league resumes at home to league leaders Charlbury.
