Disappointing defeat for Thame 1st XI
Thame 1st XI lost a crucial away game against relegation-rivals Gerrard Cross last Saturday. After being put in to bat, Thame were bowled out for 88. Only Will Sutcliffe and Honey Garg put up serious resistance.
In reply, Gerrards Cross played positively as they reached their low target for the loss of only 2 wickets. This Saturday 16th they entertain Shipton-under-Wychwood at Church Meadow, in the first of back-to-back home games.
2nd XI draw and remain top of Divison 5
The 2nd XI welcomed Bledlow Ridge 1sts to Church Meadow, keen to maintain momentum after last week’s win over Cumnor. Once Bledlow Ridge had decided to bat first and had been reduced to 103 for 7 off 37 overs, it looked like Thame’s wishes would come true. Miserly bowling from Ian McStay (2 for 28 off 14 overs) and wickets from Matt Furness (3 for 28 off 7) were squeezing the visitors’ innings. However, the late-order batsmen cut loose and put on 64 for the 9th wicket, bringing them up to a good score of 216 for 9 off their 53 overs.
In reply, the Thame openers took advantage of the good pitch to put on 85 in just 11 overs but, once Richard Carr (55, pictured left) and Andy Jinman (36) were out, progress was stuttering and the required run rate soon climbed. It was left to Guy Holmes and Ali Thomas to get Thame up to the draw, at 197 for 8 in the allotted 47 overs. The 2nds travel to Didcot this Saturday, still on top of Division 5.
3rds survive to claim hard-fought draw
Thame 3rd XI took on Bletchely 2nd XI at Lord Williams’ Upper School field, looking to get back to winning ways. Thame again lost the toss, and were asked to field. John Phippen (4 for 22, pictured right) claimed 2 early wickets to get Thame going, but the innings remained in the balance throughout with wickets falling but runs being put on the board. Captain Vimal Desai again did well with the ball, taking 4 for 32, while Joe Phippen supported with 2 for 29. Bletchley were all out for 154 in the 44th over.
In reply, Thame got off to a bad start, losing 4 early wickets. It was Dave Saunders who provided the strongest resistance, opening with 43, but once he had gone it was looking ominous for Thame at 68-6. Lower order runs from Scott Chappell (28) and Robbie Jackson (15), alongside dogged defence meant Thame still had a chance of winning. But with 1 wicket left, they knuckled down for the draw, ending on 132-9. 14 points gained for the 3rds, who stay 2nd in Division 9 North.
Man of the match was Dave Saunders for his knock of 43, in his first match of the season.
Thank you to Sam Chappell again for a fantastic tea.