This weekend saw the opening of the League season, and unlike last season, we had great weather for it! But as last year, pre-season was heavily affected by the rain; the 1st XI only played one friendly versus Harefield, before the preliminary round of the T20 Cup against Chesham – newcomer MD Nazmul took 3-22 in the later, but sadly both ended in defeat. Chesham were again the opposition in the league opener and on their home patch they posted a huge 320-5, with former South Africa international Richard Levi scoring 122* off just 73 balls – Skipper Hassam Mushtaq returned the best figures of 2-64. In reply Thame struggled from the off, with last season’s batting award winner, Ubaid Kiani (17), top scoring in 95 all out. Next week the team look to recover at home to Bicester & North Oxford.
The 2nd XI loaned players to the 1st XI in the pre-season, without a friendly of their own. But at home to Dorchester there was no sign of rust, as they scored 206-6 led by openers Justin Avery (62) and Rob Johnson (37). Thame’s bowlers put in a strong performance, started off by Pete Tervet (2-17) and finished off by Ian McStay (4-13) who ruthlessly took out the lower order to 69 all out. The 2s go to Bledlow Ridge next.
After a double T20 win in ‘The Mashes’ against the 4th XI the previous week, the 3rd XI at home to Bletchley 2 was sadly abandoned and points were shared due to the field not having dried out enough. The teams did meet for a friendly at another hastily arranged location, which was a worthwhile run out but sadly ending in defeat for the 3s. Chinnor away is next up.
The 4s travelled to Watlington 2 and bowled brilliantly from the off! Youngster Noah Harris took 3 wickets, playing alongside his Father and Brother, before Rob Kenny (3-15) brought the innings to a swift end on 102. A devastating early hat-trick for Cayden Johns put Thame immediately on the back foot. It was only Tim Dabbs (21) who could provide resistance as Thame fell to 59 all out. Next week Waddesdon 3 visit the 4th XI.
Thame’s Women had their first action of any kind this season. After two abandoned T20s versus Henley and the Ickenham tournament also falling to the rain, the team travelled to Oxford for two T20s. In the first game, a strong Oxford side racked up 204-2 before Thame struggled in reply – Harshi Malan (17) the only spark in 56-8. An improved performance in the second game saw Oxford set 153-6 – Malan‘s 2-18 leading the way for Thame. Megs Woodward opened with 25 in reply, but regular wickets scuppered the effort thereafter and Thame ended 59 runs short. The team host Moreton in another double T20 on Sunday!
Ian McStay took 4-13 in the 2nd XI victory over Dorchester
