On Sunday 4th June, Thame Girls, otherwise known as Thame Tigers (their choice) took to the field for the very first time!
A young, inexperienced U11 team, buoyed by their “demolition” of “those Dynamo’s boys” on Friday night, made their competitive debut at Didcot CC.
The first match was a tight affair, with the girls falling just short against a strong Warborough side. Chloe T took a wicket with the second ball of the game, shortly followed by Harriet, and all was looking rosey… unfortunately 3 run-outs in our innings proved costly, but lessons very quickly learnt… the calling from there on was noticeably louder! 😬
Second up was Tiddington; a brilliant collective performance saw the girls get their first W on the board. After a great all round bowling display, Olivia and Harriet got the team’s reply off to a fast start, with Sophie and Sophia finishing it off strongly for a comfortable win!
Third up was Peppard Rowe, a noticeably older side with noticeable Oxfordshire stars on display. Not to be out phased, Chloe T went one better and had herself a wicket with the first ball of the game! Supported by more tight bowling, including a maiden from Clara, the girls were well in it at the half way stage. Unfortunately, the Peppard bowling was very strong and despite best efforts throughout, including a great 2 over partnership of 16 by Edie and Clara and a strong finish from Eleanor (including switch hits) and Chloe (lofted drive over extra cover 😲) the girls fell just short!
Last up was Steventon. The girls deserved to get out of the day evens and sure enough they did just that! Match captain Edie decided to mix things up by batting first and what a master stroke it proved to be! The girls got off to another good start and carried that momentum throughout the innings, boundaries aplenty from all the girls. The chase was again looking tight however, but some excellent death bowling from Clara and Sophie, taking key wickets, ensured that Tigers finished the day with a second, well deserved win!
A fantastic day all round – most importantly lots of smiles and great team spirit, with no shortage of excellent cricket! Congratulations to all the girls – Olivia S, Sophia H, Sophie J, Eleanor H, Chloe T, Harriet D, Clara B and Edie H. Thanks also to all the parents for their support throughout 👍
Massive shout out also to Elizabeth V, who represented an U11’s Oxon Schools XI on the same day at St. Edwards School. Elizabeth did brilliantly well, opening the batting in matches against other rep teams from Gloucestershire & Hampshire 👏💪 Fantastic to see one of our Tigers already performing at such a level!
Next up, it’s the turn of the U9’s who have their first festival this Sunday at Horspath! Go Tigers! 🐯
Written by Steve Shaw
