A third of the way through the Saturday League season now, and with it a change to the win/lose/draw format for our teams. Sadly, rain ended the 1st XI and 4th XI‘s matches before a ball was even bowled, at Amersham and Chearsley 3 respectively. Despite the same threat in Thame, the 2nd XI and 3rd XI did manage to get games in.
The 2nd XI hosted East Oxford at Church Meadow, and after a delay, Thame opted to bowl and got an early breakthrough. A 93 partnership then put the visitors on top, when Ian McStay (5-28) brilliantly turned the game, alongside 2 wickets apiece for Robbie Jackson and Ross Handley. This took East Oxford from 100-1 to 159 all out. With less overs to reach the target in this format, Thame started strongly, led by Adam Culley‘s 50. Oli Sutcliffe (43) took Thame close to victory, but as late wickets fell, Thame ended short on 155-6 to take 17 points in a draw. The 2s move up to 5th and go to leaders Chearsley on Saturday.
Thame 3s took on Great Brickhill 3 at Lord Williams’ School. After choosing to bowl, Thame picked up wickets consistently throughout, with no batter reaching 20. Captain Chris Penny again headed the attack with 3-28, and there were also 2 wickets each for youngsters Daniel Fuller and Aaron Watson, to keep the visitors to 131-9. The reply got off to a bad start when the top 3 all fell for single figures. Jordan Lee-Paskin (41) counter-punched, but nobody else could support him and Thame fell to 70 all out. Still looking for that first win, the team go to 7th Wolverton 2 next.
With our Women’s side having a week off this week, our friendly Saxons side faced Sydenham at home. Sydenham scored 181-6 from their 35 overs – Alex Fuller took 3-27, including one clean bowled, dubbed ‘the ball of the century’ that even the off-strike batter applauded, while Leanne Harris added 2-43. In a spirited chase, most of Thame’s batters got starts – Dan Tervet hit a fearless 39 and Nick Fuller 29, but the innings ended 10 runs short on 171-6.
Tonight (Tuesday) the 1st XI begin their T20 campaign away to Aston Rowant, before hosting Slough on Saturday. The 4th XI welcome Long Marston 3 next. While on Sunday, the Women return to action in the league at home to Berkhamsted.
