It was a rainy Saturday for our Men’s sides, with all matches being affected. Thame 1s were away to top-of-the-league Harefield, and bowled after losing the toss. A runout and Dinushka Malan put Thame on top at 42-4, but Harefield rallied to post 247-6 – Malan (5-59) taking a five-for. The returning Michael Beard (56*) opened, before 3 wickets fell in close succession. Alex Browne (38*) added 2 more sixes to his collection, but the rain took away hopes of completing what would’ve been a great game at 130-3. Ending in a draw, Thame took 10 points to Harefield’s 9. Placed 5th, the boys travel again next week to winless Tring Park.
A depleted 2nd XI hosted Wolverton Town. After a rain delay, in less than ideal conditions, Thame were asked to bat. Facing strong bowling, Thame struggled, with Toby Baker (35) providing some counter-punch. But he could not prevent the 2s falling all out for 74. Nick Humphries (2-24) took an early wicket, but at 52-1 Thame were staring at a heavy defeat. However, Chris Penny (3-25) and multiple pieces of excellent glove work by Josh Towell put Wolverton under increasing pressure. Sadly, a miracle could not be pulled off as Wolverton reached the target by 4 wickets. The 2s are jumped by Wolverton and sit 9th. They host Westcott next Saturday.
The 3rd XI were away at Westbury 2, won the toss and bowled. With a short boundary, the run rate was high from the off! Dom Hutson took 2-30 on debut, before Danny Thompson starred with 3-29, but Westbury were able to declare on 269-7 after 34 overs. David Hewes (21) lead from front in an opening stand of 42, but the batting fell away after his departure and the lower order could not save the draw, finishing all out for 108. The bottom-placed 3s travel to local rivals Dinton 2, who are just above the drop zone.
Thame 4s were at home to Westbury 3, and opted to bowl after winning the toss. Shay Reading (4-40) accounted for the top order as Thame were put themselves in a good position. Leanne Harris (3-63) shone later, but Westbury were able to kick on to post 209. Charlie Anderson (48) and Tim Dabbs (26) provided a solid start before the loss of multiple wickets. But with rain incoming, the match ended in a draw at 143-5. After 2 draws in a row, the team stay 2nd bottom and face 3rd from bottom Dinton 3 at home next, with the chance to leapfrog them.
Thame Women opened up their Home Counties Premier League campaign away to Cookham Dean. Thame lost the toss and were asked to bowl, but this proved to be no issue. After 3 wickets on Saturday, Leanne Harris added 4-12 and a run out to her weekend. She was backed up by Sally Brentnall (3-13) and Harshani Malan (2-10), as Cookham were all out for just 68 in the 27th over. Cath Hawkes (21) and Larissa Zanotto (19*) opened and took Thame most of the way to victory, winning by 7 wickets in the end. The team host Oxford next week, who also won on the opening day.
The Swain Testimonial will have it’s own match report crafted by the man himself in due course, while the 4th XI Cup match was forfeited.