Thame Women hit the road to Knebworth for their 2nd game in the Home Counties Premier Division, and chose to bat. Eli Dey (35) opened but struggled for partners, with her departure leaving Thame 78-5. Emily Green (47) provided a steady hand, before Leanne Harris came in at 9 and hit a quick 34 not out to push Thame up to 234, all out in the final over. Zara Wyatt (3-27) removed Knebworth’s openers cheaply and Harris added 2 wickets, as the chase became increasingly unlikely. Megs Woodward (3-16) then cleaned up the tail to have the hosts all out for 121, and give Thame an emphatic first win! Thame sit 4th after 2 games and face rivals Binfield next weekend – they have won their only match so far.
On Saturday, the 1s were away to Oxford Downs. After being asked to bat, Luke Hayes (39) and Ubaid Kiani (36) provided the best efforts, but nobody could cash in on starts. Thame were indebted to debutant Will Feeney, who whacked 30 not out off 18 balls at 11 to get the score up to 175 all out. Thame chipped away at the wickets column, but the odds were always in Downs’ favour, as they won by 3 wickets late on. The 1s are 8th and next host 9th Horspath in the league. During the week, the team lost out in the first match of the Wilf Bennett T20 Trophy by 45 runs – Kiani top scored with 38. The next T20 is at home to Eynsham on Tuesday 27th.
Thame 2nd XI hosted Aston Rowant 3, and were invited to bowl. Chairman Pete Tervet (3-37) removed the top 3, but Rowant’s batters all made contributions, including a frustrating 36 run 10th wicket partnership, to end 224 all out. At 5-2, it was a tall order for Thame – James Dack‘s 28 was the best effort in 158 all out. The 2s are 6th and go to 9th Tiddington 2 next.
The 3s hosted Bledlow Ridge 2 at Lord Williams’, and were asked to bat. After a top order collapse, Thame needed an impressive 23 from young Daniel Fuller, followed by 39 from Chris ‘Winkle’ Penny at 10, to post 133. Bledlow Ridge got off to a good start. Winkle and Leanne Harris managed 2 wickets apiece, but the visitors reached the target in the 35th over. Now at the foot of the table, the 3s travel to 7th Buckingham Town 4 next, needing a win!
The 2nd placed 4th XI travelled to league leaders Chalgrove, lost the toss and batted. A combination of strong bowling, difficult pitch and loose batting culminated in a disappointing 59 all out – Tim Dabbs (11) top scored. Trevor Spindler (3-20) and Ed Mather (2-25) made a miracle seem possible at 29-5 (including a memorable 1 handed slip catch from Neil Smith). But it only took one batter to get going and take Chalgrove to the win by 5 wickets. After a first defeat of the season, the 4s stay 2nd and host 9th Waddesdon 3 next.
Thame Saxons had a busy week; in a Wednesday T20 versus CPM, Charlie Anderson hit 39 (retired) to set 164. Young guns Aaron Watson and Dan Tervet took 2 wickets each to have CPM all out for 113 and get the win. On Sunday, the Saxons played a 35 over match at picturesque Blenheim Park. Batting first, Brad Watson scored 61 in 110 all out. Blenheim completed the chase for the loss of 3 wickets in the 23rd over.
Emily Green’s 47 helped Thame Women to their first ever win in the Home Counties Premier – photo taken last season by Shaun Jackson
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