The 2026 season is now complete, with the ground beginning to be put to bed for another year – which meant this past Friday (25th September) saw the Adult Awards Night at the clubhouse!
After an excellent Thai buffet supplied by The Rising Sun in Thame, the ceremony was steered by Director of Cricket, Nick Fuller. Captain Ed Mather went first for the 4th XI. The batting award went to absent Chairman Tim Dabbs, who scored 293 runs at an average of 41.86. The bowling award went to Trevor Spindler, who took a division high 47 wickets at an average of 4.85, with an amazing four 5-wicket hauls! The 4s won Cherwell League Division 9D, losing only 1 game all season! Captain Mather spoke of the season-long title battle with Gully 2, which went to the final day, as well as the superb bowling duo of Spindler and Chris ‘Winkle’ Penny, alongside the continued impact of the juniors.
New 3rd XI Captain Rob Tomlin was up next. The team got off to a slow start in Division 8B, but then went on an 8 match unbeaten run, including a win over eventually-promoted Garsington. This meant an outside chance of promotion, which was sadly ended by title winners Oxenford, however a final day defeat of Chinnor 2 (to end their promotion hopes) finished the 3s season on a high! Guy Holmes retained the batting award with 340 runs at an average of 68, including a top score of 110. The bowling award went to young Aaron Watson, who took 17 wickets at 13.24. There were plenty of positives to take from the season, with a push for promotion on the cards for next year!
2nd XI Co-Captain George Patey stepped up to talk about a topsy-turvy 2s’ season in Division 3B, supported by C0-Captain Robbie Jackson via video message. In a tight division, the team were looking up halfway through the season, before successfully fighting off relegation threat towards the end. The highlights of the season were a win at Aston Rowant 3, and a miracle fightback win at Bledlow Ridge. Harry Thomas won the batting award with 497 runs at an average of 41.42, including a ton. Muhammed Amin retained the Bowling Award, taking 25 wickets with his spin – fellow spinner Jeremy Batty, who himself took 24 wickets, collected the award on Amin‘s behalf. There was also a well-deserved thank you to the ever-present Sally Patey, who once again provided great support as scorer for the team throughout the season.
1st XI Captain Hassam Mushtaq was the final Captain to take the stand. The team finished mid-table in 6th, matching the previous season. Dinny Malan returned as the overseas pro and was the leading wicket taker in the entire league with 44 wickets, including three 5-fors. As overseas cannot win awards, it was skipper Mushtaq who retained the bowling award with 33 wickets – the 5th highest in the division. The ever-reliable Ubaid Kiani retained the batting award with 512 runs. Captain Mushtaq spoke highly of Malan‘s impact not just on the pitch but around the club, as well as the youngsters coming through to represent the club at the highest level, in a team lineup that remained remarkably consistent this season.
The Women‘s side are due to mark the end of the season in their owning the coming weeks. Sarah Sanderson‘s team finished 7th out of 8, in a tough Home Counties Premier League, securing their status for 2027!
Club legend Ian McStay presented the John Fulkes Award, given to a younger player who has performed at senior level. John Fulkes was a Chairman of the club and huge supporter of cricket, particularly youth cricket, in the town. After his passing in 2004, Thame Town Cricket Club created this award in his honour. This year, the award went to Aaron Watson! As well as winning the 3rd XI bowling award, paceman Aaron played for the 2nd XI and stepped up to the 1st XI in the Home Counties Premier League, having shown superb development over the last few seasons.
The Club Champion Award went to James Tilley for his brilliant work as a junior coach. James’ U15s enjoyed a great season, with several stepping up to the senior sides!
A massive thank you to all who helped organise the evening, and as always to those who do so much behind the scenes to make the club run.
Farewell to the 2026 season, roll on 2027!
1st XI Batting Award – Ubaid Kiani
1st XI Bowling Award – Hassam Mushtaq
2nd XI Batting Award – Harry Thomas
2nd XI Bowling Award – Muhammed Amin
3rd XI Batting Award – Guy Holmes
3rd XI Bowling Award – Aaron Watson
4th XI Batting Award – Tim Dabbs
4th XI Bowling Award – Trevor Spindler
Club Champion – James Tilley
John Fulkes Award – Aaron Watson
Women’s Awards TBC
Ubaid Kiani was presented the 1st XI Batting Award by 1st XI Captain Hassam Mushtaq
Hassam Mushtaq was presented the 1st XI Bowling Award by Ian McStay
Harry Thomas was presented the 2nd XI Batting Award by 2nd XI Co-Captain George Patey
Jeremy Batty collected the 2nd XI Bowling Award on behalf of Muhammed Amin, presented by 2nd XI Co-Captain George Patey
Guy Holmes was presented the 3rd XI Batting Award by 3rd XI Captain Rob Tomlin
Aaron Watson was presented the 3rd XI Bowling Award by 3rd XI Captain Rob Tomlin
Trevor Spindler was presented the 4th XI Bowling Award by 4th XI Captain Ed Mather
Aaron Watson was presented the John Fulkes Award by Ian McStay
2nd XI Co-Captain George Patey sharing a video message from Co-Captain Robbie Jackson