On Wednesday 21st August, as part of Thame Town Cricket Club’s 150th Anniversary year, the world-renowned Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) were invited to take on a Thame side in a prestigious exhibition match. The MCC were Captained by former Thame 1st XI Captain Mike Beard, with several former Thame players in the lineup; Will Rooney, Cal Russell, Will Sutcliffe and Chris Wynd. Thame were Captained by current 1st XI Captain Hassam Mushtaq, and put out a mostly 1st XI lineup with a few 2nd XI regulars.
Thame won the toss and chose to bowl. Will Sutcliffe started things off well for MCC with a typically fluid 60 coming mostly in boundaries, while Captain Beard‘s return ended on his third ball to a low full toss. Ex-Middlesex and Gloucestershire player, George Scott, made a brilliant chanceless hundred, ending 122 not out off 99 balls. The MCC declared as they passed 250, just after Scott had hit three sixes in a row, posting 252-4. Mushtaq led the bowling for Thame with 2-29.
In reply, Thame found themselves in bother at 36-3. From there Ubaid Kiani (68) batted solidly, joined by Dinny Malan‘s classy 97 off 63 balls. It looked as though the pair were going to get Thame over the line, but Luke Chapman got both out within the space of a couple of overs to end a 151 partnership. James Scott took 3-60 while Thame’s lower order kept the game going down to the wire. Former teammates Will Rooney and 2nd XI Captain Robbie Jackson then faced off for what would be the last over of the day, with Thame needing 6 to win. Rooney then clattered the stumps with a few balls to spare!
Captain Mushtaq spoke after the game; “It was great to play against fellow ex-players and revive some memories, and there was no better way to celebrate the Club’s 150th anniversary.”
Mike Beard added “Thame hosted a brilliant day – the ground looked perfect and the hospitality was excellent. It was a real privilege to be able to lead the MCC against my home club, great to see so many familiar faces and even better to snatch the win at the end!”
A huge thank you to all who helped make the day happen!
