The penultimate weekend of competitive action in 2023, and with it a later and shorter roundup than usual, owed to the writer moving house!
The 1st XI had Oxford Downs visit their home, and bowled. Brad Watson (2-41) was the man to send most Downs’ batters packing, in a total of 244-6. Alex Browne (78) and Ubaid Kiani (50) built a solid foundation, but ducks to 3 key batters culminated in a loss by 43 runs. Thame are 6th, with a 4th place finish a possibility away at relegated Horspath.
Thame 2s headed to Aston Rowant 3, and were asked to bat. With the top 4 scoring a combined 4 runs, it looked like promotion hopes would fall through, but Josh Towell (59) helped give something to try defend at 101. Sadly, Thame could not get the removals they needed to make the game tighter, losing by 7 wickets. With the outside chance of promotion now over, the 2s host neighbours Tiddington 2 on the final day.
The 3rd XI continued the attempt to complete the great escape from relegation at Bledlow Ridge 2. Batting first, Richard Carr got things moving as he opened with 48. Jordan Lee-Paskin (32) and Chris ‘WInkle’ Penny (30) late on pushed Thame up to 175 all out. Harshi Malan (3-26) and Danny Thompson (3-28) starred with the ball, as the hosts ended 37 runs short. Thame sit in the relegation zone in 9th, but 6th to 10th can all mathematically still get relegated. They host 7th Buckingham Town 4 next, in a huge match!
A bank holiday depleted 4th XI hosted leaders Chalgrove, and opted to bowl. Trevor Spindler (3-6) again shone to have Chlagrove 102 all out. Undermanned, Thame were evicted for 46 in reply. The 4s only need a handful of bonus points to secure 3rd place and will end the season at lowly Waddesdon 3.
Church Meadow played host to the annual Women’s Softball Festival at Church Meadow on the Bank Holiday Monday. Captain Sarah Sanderson gave this summary; “60 women from teams across Oxfordshire entered the tournament from clubs including Tiddington, Horspath, Freeland, Oxenford, West Illsley, Banbury & Warborough. It was the biggest turnout in the Oxfordshire festivals to date and was played in great spirit. West Illsley won every game and came 1st, Horspath were 2nd and Thame were 3rd. It’s such a brilliant and fun format and we look forward to hosting another festival with hopefully even more entries next year!”
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