Thame U9’s took to the field for their third league game at Haddenham on Tuesday 4th June. After two rained off games, enthusiasm amongst the team was high despite the cold, wet and windy conditions.
Having been asked to bat first, a net score of 242 looked around par in difficult batting conditions. There were useful contributions throughout the order, with Joah top scoring, a couple of lusty boundaries from Jimmy and some fine stroke play from Rory, Jack and Luke. It was great in particular to see some excellent running between the wickets and calling – something often only learnt the hard way!
In reply, Haddenham always looked slightly ahead of the rate, despite some disciplined bowling from skipper Max K, Luke, Kai and Joah. A useful wicket for Max W kept things tight but going into the final over Haddenham were ahead by 3 runs (in this age group teams bat in pairs and lose 5 runs if they are out).
Jimmy started the last over with a couple waist high full tosses, causing umpire and team manager Andy to have to make some difficult (and perhaps harsh!) calls for no balls. This put Haddenham 5 runs into the lead and Thame staring defeat in the face as Haddenham aimed to go on the defensive and ensure the win. But Jimmy then produced a magic ball to beat the defence of the Haddenham batter and the scores were level with 2 balls to go. The penultimate ball was hit to mid on and the batters went for a tight run to put them into the lead, only for Kai to pick up one handed and hit the stumps with his throw to run out the batter. A wonderful piece of fielding and Jimmy then closed off the game with a dot ball to see Thame home by 5 runs in a tense thriller!
Jimmy was awarded man of the match both for holding his nerve in the final over but also great sportsmanship when he went out of his way to applaud the opposing fielder who took a great catch to dismiss him.
Written by Andy Hobbs
Thame U9s had a great spirited game on Monday night against Bledlow.
Bledlow batted first and put on a score of 239, with some exceptional fielding all round. Wickets were shared out from Zac, Leo, Oscar, Archie, James C 3, James W, Oliver & a great catch from Louis
In reply Thame batted brilliantly, with all eight contributing to a great winning total of 311.
Written by Dan Constant
