Starting with Sunday this week and Thame’s Women hosted Binfield at Church Meadow. After being asked to bat, the innings was dominated by a 133 run partnership for the 4th wicket. Harshi Wijerathna led with a typically classy 92, alongside Caitlin Shaw‘s 82 from just 71 balls, as Thame posted an impressive 256-4 from the 40 overs. Shaw (2-30) dismissed the openers, before a strong 5th wicket partnership looked threatening. With an increasing required rate, Megs Woodward‘s brilliant 4-28 broke the partnership and swung the game firmly in Thame’s direction, leading to a win by 56 runs! Now 6th in the league out of 8, the team face two super 8s matches at Church Meadow this Sunday.
On Saturday, Thame 1st XI hosted Chesham, and after choosing to bat slumped to 18-5. Skipper Hassam Mushtaq lead the scoring with 35 not out batting at 8, as Thame fell to 71 all out. Youngster Aaron Watson (1-28) made his 1st XI debut after a late call up, and bagged a wicket in his first over, earning him player of the match for Thame. But only 1 further wicket fell to Alex Browne (1-13), giving Chesham an 8 wicket win. This followed a T20 defeat at a strong Aston Rowant during the week, so the team will look to bounce back at home to Tiddington in a T20 on Tuesday, followed by Horspath visiting in the league next. The team sit 8th, while Horspath are 6th.
The 2nd XI travelled to Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts, and opted to bowl. At 115-2, the Nondescripts were looking strong, when Muhammed Amin (5-84) bowled superbly again, backed up by Ian McStay (2-56) to bring Thame back into it. The hosts were then able to rally to 239 all out. Manil Subesinghe opened with 38 for Thame, but this was the best effort as Thame went from 101-3 to 111 all out. The 2s stay 4th and go to 7th Bicester & North Oxford 2s next week.
At Lord William’s Upper School, the 3s took on Aylesbury and chose to bat. Continuing the theme of the day, Thame were struggling at 13-5. Jeremy Batty counter-punched with 46, alongside some stickability from the lower order, to end 80 all out. Thame had a handful of chances, but failed to take them, as Sam Ward picked up the only wicket in a comfortable chase for a strong Aylesbury side. The 3rd XI slip to 9th and go to 7th Chearsley 2 next.
Thame 4th XI headed to Leighton Buzzard 3 and were put into bat. Chairman Tim Dabbs opened with 66, but succumbed to one of a couple of ‘dodgy’ LBWs, which contributed to Thame going from 118-3 to 126 all out. Will Littlewood (2-22) and Ed Mather (2-24) got Thame off to a great start, as the chase was neck and neck. Youngsters Josh Lowe and Sam Holmes got a wicket apiece, however the hosts managed to reach the target for the loss of 7 wickets. The 4s take on 7th Wolvercote 4 at home next, looking for the elusive first win.
Caitlin Shaw and Harshi Malan starred with the bat in Sunday’s win for our Women’s XI
