Jeffcock takes 1s over the line and top
Thame 1s went top of Home Counties Premier 2 with a penultimate ball victory over Wokingham. After winning the toss and choosing to field, Thame’s bowling attack produced an extremely disciplined display to control the flow of runs. Aided by some excellent catching, Wokingham were restricted to 176-7 – Hassam Mushtaq and Andy Russell taking 2 wickets each.
The Thame response got off to the perfect start, with openers Mike Beard (67, pictured below) and Ollie Burland (45) putting on 99 for the first wicket. A brisk 29 from Callum Russell moved Thame closer to the target, but the fall of three quick wickets saw Chris Jeffcock needing 3 from the final 6 balls. After two dot balls, a fine strike over mid off brought the scores level, and Jeffcock sealed the victory with a tickle off the pads with a ball to spare.
Rain elsewhere in the league saw Thame climb to top of the league. The 1s go to Oxford Downs next week.
2s gain points in rain affected draw
The 2nd XI hosted Great Brickhill 2s, and after a late start and winning the toss in this rain affected match, the 2’s decided to field first and then know what to chase to secure the most points. Thame fielded very well and stuck to their plan of restricting Great Brickhill’s runs; bowling them out for 146 in their allotted 42 overs. Liam Evans (pictured below) with 5-34 off 12 overs led the way, ably backed up by Gareth Bridges with 3-47 and Dan Patey (2-41).
Thame were 38-2 before the rain struck again, reducing the chase to a maximum of 23 overs but the 2’s resumed to score 94-6, well ahead of their target of 82, to secure the 7 ‘winning draw’ bonus points in addition to their 7 bowling points.
The 2s host Stokenchurch next week.
Superb 3s bowling keeps them top
The 3s hosted Stokenchurch at home. Having won the toss, Thame inserted Stokenchurch 2s into bat on a slightly damp, green wicket. With an excellent opening spell from Luke Hayes (3-4, pictured below recently receiving his Award for U15s batting) and Robbie Jackson (2-16), supported once again by tight fielding, Stokenchurch struggled to get any momentum. The first bowling change, Fahad Majeed, continued the pressure with a spell of 7 overs for only 8 runs, being unlucky not to take a wicket. Ian McStay (3-20) and Rob Johnson (2-12), finished the job off, as Stokenchurch were skittled out for 86.
After an excellent Jinman tea, for the second innings, the wicket had dried out somewhat. However, with clouds and rain still threatening, Thame were keen to finish the job off. Despite the loss of 2 wickets, Thame eased home for an 8 wicket win inside 21 overs with Nick Fuller (15*) and Guy Holmes (38*) beating the rain and securing 25 points.
Thame 3s next play 2nd from bottom, Long Marston, away.
Frustrating draw for the 4s
Thame 4s took to the road in week 12 to take on Kingston Bagpuize 2s. Having lost the toss Thame were put into bat. Thame made a strong start with Mark Fellowes and Tim Dabbs putting on an impressive 100 run opening partnership. Dabbs falling on 30 was replaced by Charlie Anderson (48 not out) to continue to support Fellowes who posted 84. Thame eventually finished on an impressive 205-3 off their 45 overs.
Kingston Bagpuize, in reply, set to bat out the draw from ball one in a rain affected innings. Incredible efforts and figures from Thames bowlers ripped into the hosts including a superb 5 for 5 from Trevor Spindler off his 11 overs. 3 more wickets from Pete Tervet, Neil Smith and Rob Kenny heaped on the pressure but Bagpuise held on to get a draw on just 39-8 off 33 overs. Another winning draw for the 4s bagging 18 points.
Next week the 4s host Kimble
Women’s Softball Festival a great success!
The Women’s Softball Festival finally took place at Thame Cricket Club on Sunday 28th July. This was a huge success, after the disappointment of having to cancel the original date 9 days previously. Six teams took part, which was a very good turnout at short notice. There was an entourage of supporters for all teams from family and friends, which added to the fun. The games were played in competitive spirit and with good humour. We had positive feedback from all teams, many commenting on the great atmosphere and how much fun they had. Women and girls of all ages played and whether experienced or not, the teams played with carefree enthusiasm! Thanks to all who helped to make this day a great success, from setting up pitches, umpiring and scoring, running the BBQ and the music. The play-off was between Thame and the Kites netball team – with Thame proving the winners overall!
A special thanks to The Bay of Bengal Restaurant and Holland Green Architects for their donations, which enabled us to provide prizes for various awards for the winning team – best catch, highest score and best bowler!
Carr and Thomas star for Oxfordshire
2nd XI duo, Richard Carr and Al Thomas, represented the County Seniors on Sunday in their last 16 knockout match against Kent, at The Mote in Maidstone. Batting first on a fast and flat wicket, Carr scored 28 in an opening partnership of 71 in 14 overs, with Oxfordshire scoring 249-6 in their allotted 45. Oxfordshire took 3 quick wickets, all caught by Banbury’s keeper Neil Megson, indicative of the good carry, and Thomas then picked up another 2 wickets. Kent continued to chase down the total and in an unbelievably tense finish, needed 14 off 3 balls; 8 off 2 and then 3 off the last…which led to a dropped catch on the boundary, a run out and a 1 run win.
So, another “first class” scalp for the County Seniors and onto the quarter finals.