1st XI take big step in quest for survival
Thame secured a vital victory against second-placed Amersham in the Home Counties League, thereby proving the quality in the side to any doubters, with an excellent all-round display at home last Saturday. Thame lost the toss and were asked to bat and, with a positive approach, their innings got off to a flyer with Matt McDonald (78, pictured right) and Mike Beard (35) taking them up to 130 for 4, with 21 overs left. However a mini-collapse left Thame on 174 for 8, before Chris Jeffcock and skipper Mike Higgs led Thame to 205 all out in the 48th over.
In reply, Amersham started well but Thame produced a determined bowling and fielding display to dismiss the visitors for just 155. Wickets for Hassam Mushtaq (4-28), Adam Phippen (3-33), Mike Higgs (2-26) and Will Rooney (1-25) secured the much-needed victory, which takes Thame 14 points clear of relegation. They travel to take on Datchet this Saturday 27th.
Convincing win for 2nd XI
After stumbling the previous week, Thame 2nds knew that to maintain top spot they simply had to win, away at bottom-of-the-table Banbury 4ths and they didn’t disappoint. Banbury won the toss and chose to bat, but were soon struggling at 42-4 against the opening bowlers, Matt Furness (2-16) and Ian McStay (2-25). Despite Banbury staging a recovery, putting on 58 for the 5th wicket, George Patey (2-8) then made the breakthrough and Chris Penny polished off the tail (4-38), the home side finishing up 134 all out from 46.3 overs.
With rain clouds a constant threat, Thame had to score quickly in reply, as Richard Carr (81 not out, pictured left) and Andy Jinman (19) put on 74 off just 11 overs. With Matt Furness (27 not out) then joining Carr at the crease, Thame reached 135 for 1 from only 22.1 overs. They now entertain Horspath 3rds this Saturday, in Thame, who lie second in the table.
Forfeit gives 3rd XI 25 points
Thame 3rd XI have now all but sealed 2nd place in Division 9 (North), after their nearest rivals Twyford forfeited the match for lack of players last Saturday. Thame still managed hastily to organise a friendly against Stokenchurch 2nds, however, only to be ultimately frustrated by the weather. Thame bowled the home side out for 110, Ally Ilsley picking up 3 wickets on his return to the side, while Vimal Desai, Will Bruce-Morgan and Ollie Oxby took 1 wicket each. Some excellent fielding also gave Thame 3 run outs. In the chase, Thame started well at 30-0 after 8 overs, but the heavens opened and the game was sadly abandoned. They entertain Cropredy 3rds at Lord Bills Upper school ground this Saturday.