The Men’s League turned to the Win-Lose-Draw format in week 6 and Thame 1st XI took on top-of-the-League Wargrave, at Church Meadow. Thame lost the toss and were asked to bowl, which was no problem for Dinushka Malan (4-20) and Faisal Ali (3-39), who ripped through Wargrave’s batting. Kelvin Burrows came on and took 3-6 from 5 overs, to have the visitors 88 all out in the 35th over. Thame didn’t hang around in the chase – Farid Butt (53* off 46) and Jack Aston (29 off 26) opened up fluently, and Thame reached the target 2 down in just the 19th over. The 1s move up to 5th, and travel to new league leaders Harefield next.
The 2s travelled to Bletchley Town, and bowled after winning the toss. Co-skipper Robbie Jackson (3-66) opened the bowling, but Bletchley put together several strong partnerships. Dan Patey took 2-41 and young Zach Harris picked up a wicket after a call up from 3rd XI, as the hosts posted 236-6 from 53 overs. Thame lost early wickets in reply, before a Patey Brothers partnership of 55 steadied the ship – Dan scoring 40 and Co-skipper George, 32. But, after their demise, the innings fell away to 105 all out. Thame 2s stay 7th and next week host bottom-of-the-table Wolverton Town.
Thame 3s hosted Wolverton Town 2 at Lord Williams’, won the toss and bowled. Wolverton batted with haste, racking up 225 from 35.4 overs. The impressive youngsters from last week again took centre stage for Thame, Daniel Fuller (3-25) and Toby Borgnis (2-17), to have the hosts all out. In reply, Thame’s top order all fell for single figures, before Fuller top scored with 14, in a disappointing 55 all out. The 3s remain bottom and head to mid-table Westbury 2 next.
Thame 4th XI headed down the road to local rivals Chinnor. After opting to bowl, Trevor Spindler (3-20) took out the top 3, but Chinnor rallied to build a strong 215-6. Thame lost an early wicket, when Vimal Desai (24) came in and top-scored. The middle order and tail then fell away, leaving Spindler and Ed Mather to battle it out for a tense draw at 118-9. Sitting second bottom, the 4s have a chance to a build gap to the bottom next time out, as they face last-placed Westbury 3 at Lord Williams’. On the Sunday, the team start their Cup campaign away to Tiddington 3.
The RAF flew into town to take on Thame Women in two 18-0ver friendlies. In the first game, the RAF set 111-4 – Emma Page took a runout, while wickets were shared around. Harshani Malan (33) led off the chase, and Captain Sarah Sanderson (18) brought Thame home with 14 balls and 7 wickets to spare. In the second game, Thame batted first; Cath Hawkes hit 39 as Thame posted an impressive 121-5. Malan and Leanne Harris then both got a wicket and runout each as The RAF were kept to 87-7. Next week sees the opening of the Home Counties Premier League, and the team will be heading to Cookham Dean. Thame have just been pipped to the post in the Super 8s competition, only on net run rate – an incredible effort hampered by opponents forfeiting matches and therefore the impossibility to improve net run rate!
On Sunday 19th June, Church Meadow will host the Matt Swain Testimonial match, featuring the man himself, alongside select Thame Town Cricket Club friends. The bar will be open and there will be a barbecue – please come on down!