Thame 1st XI hosted Amersham on another rain-threatened Saturday. After a delay, Thame won the toss and bowled. Will Feeney (2-15) removed bother openers, before the innings was in the balance at 113-5. Captain Hassam Mushtaq then spun his way to a superb 5-57, helped by Jonathon Jelfs’ 2 wickets, to have Amersham all out for 155. Thame’s top 4 all got good starts, led by another half-century from Ubaid Kiani (50) and 31 from Luke Hayes. It was left to Captain Mushtaq to strike a boundary to give Thame victory by 5 wickets. This important win takes Thame up to 6th, just below Amersham, ahead of a trip to bottom side Cumnor.
The 2nd XI travelled to Tetsworth, lost the toss and were invited to bat. Alex Tervet opened with 19, which proved to be the top score, as Thame could only manage 113 all out. After early breakthroughs, Tetsworth seemed to be cruising to the target, before Ian McStay (3-7) and Dan Patey (3-31) picked up 6 quick wickets to make an unlikely victory appear within reach. But Tetsworth held their nerve to win by just 1 wicket in the 41st over. Thame are now 6th in a tight middle of the table, and host bottom side Great Norwood next.
Thame 3s headed to Horspath 4, lost the toss and batted. Charlie Anderson scored 43 and shared a 51 partnership with Zach Harris (27), but from 80-3, Thame fell to 110 all out. Will Littlewood (2-30) removed both openers, but a strong 4th wicket partnership took Horspath to the win in the 29th over. The 3s fall to the foot of the table, and need a win as they host 7th placed Great Brickhill 3 next.
The 4th XI had a week off, and remain in 3rd place, having now played 1 less game than those around them. They head to 6th Leighton Buzzard Town 3 next.
Thame Women returned to league action on Sunday at home versus Charlbury. Thame won the toss and bowled, but the visitors were happy at 66-2 and looking to build a big score. From there, Megs Woodward (4-19) led a brilliant performance with the ball, accompanied by Victoria Gledhill (2-23), to cause Charlbury to collapse all out for just 96. Adversely, Thame were in trouble from the off at 7-2. Woodward (66 not out) again stepped up, taking Thame out of trouble and comfortably to the total without the loss of another wicket! Now up in 4th place, the team next travel to Falkland – the team 1 below them in the table.
Hassam Mushtaq (pictured earlier in the season) led the 1st XI to victory with a 5for – Photo by John Phippen
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