This past weekend saw a return to the win-lose format for the final 4 weeks of the season. The 1st XI hosted Amersham at Church Meadow, and put them into bat. Thame picked up 3 early wickets before a partnership of 183 led by Madhuka Liyanapathiranage’s 100. Skipper Hassam Mushtaq (3-61) helped pull it back, as the visitors posted 238-8 from 50 overs. Thame also lost the top 3 cheaply, but recovered thanks to Alex Browne‘s 75, supported by Ubaid Kiani (35). 3 more quick wickets left Thame teetering on 195-8, however from there, needing just over a run a ball, Mushtaq (42*) and Brad Watson (20*) at 10 got Thame over the line with just 2 balls to spare! The 1s move up to 6th and go to promotion-chasing Slough next weekend. This Wednesday (21st) also sees the team take on the MCC, in a special 150th year celebration match at Church Meadow.
Thame 2s travelled to East Oxford 2 and put the hosts into bat. Pete Tervet (4-35) took out 3 of the top 4 and the returning Mike Higgs later spun 4-27 as East Oxford fell from 150-5 to 172 all out. Thame’s top order did not get going. Oli Sutcliffe (34) led a Thame recovery, but this was short-lived as the last 5 wickets fell for 7 runs, culminating in a 65 run defeat. The team stay 6th in Division 4a. Not completely safe from the drop yet, the 2s go to Champions-to-be Chearsley on Saturday.
The 3rd XI played away at Great Brickhill 3 and opted to bowl. The home side started strong, reaching 107 before losing the 2nd wicket. Captain Chris Penny (3-25) and youngster Cameron Clark (2-32) brought Thame back into it at 146-7, but from there Brickhill were able to getaway to post 223-8. Chairman Tim Dabbs (53*) opened for Thame, but severely lacked support in 72 all out. After relegation was confirmed last week, the team host Wolverton next, who sit in the position above.
Up at Lord Williams’ Upper School, the 4s hosted Chearsley 3 and opted to bowl. Chearlsey’s top 3 scored the bulk of the runs. Shay Reading (3-21) and Zed Khan (3-22) took out the set batters and middle order as the visitors posted 172-7 from the 40 overs. It was then an incredible effort from Thame’s openers; Nick Fuller (80*) and Charlie Anderson (46*) both carried their bats to a superb 10 wicket victory! The 4s move up to 7th and go to 5th placed Long Marston 3 next.
On Sunday, Thame Women headed to a strong Oxford side and were asked to bowl. Sophie Mitchelmore scored 222* as the hosts built a massive 376-9 from 40 overs. Harshi Malan took 4-56 and Charlotte Harvey took 2-91, around the immovable Mitchelmore. Malan opened with 48, but this was the best effort in 98 all out. The side remain safe in 5th out of 8 teams in the Home Counties Premier Division and next go to Berkhamsted on September 1st.
