Not the best weekend for Thame cricketers!

NOT a great weekend for Thame Town Cricket Club, as the first team lost at Buckingham, the seconds had a losing draw at home and Chearsley failed to raise a team to play against the third team, but as a result, the thirds got 25 points due to Chearsley forfeiting. MATCH REPORTS

First XI

THAME travelled to Buckingham for another crucial match last Saturday. Having won the the toss, stand-in skipper, Mike Beard, had no hesitation in batting on a good wicket.

Honey Garg, top scorer for TTCC’s 1st XI

Thame’s top order worked hard against a strong bowling attack, notable contributions coming from Harry Thomas (32) and Honey Garg (54). However, wickets fell at key moments and it took some lower-order hitting for Thame to muster a below-par 215. In response, Buckingham’s openers looked to seize the initiative. Chris Jeffcock, stepping up from his usual role as second team captain, bowled superbly to keep the scoring down and, aided by two fine run outs, kept Thame’s hopes alive. In the end though, the placid nature of the pitch rendered the bowling toothless, Buckingham getting home with only three wickets down and two overs to spare. Thame entertain Amersham at Church Meadow on Saturday, August 20.

Second XI

THAME seconds entertained Chearsley firsts with high hopes of a win to maintain their 22-point lead at the top of Division five. Chearsley lost the toss and were asked to bat on a good pitch.

It wasn’t long before Thame were facing an uphill struggle as opener James Veness steadily built a century which, helped by dropped catches, developed into an unbeaten 142. Despite a marathon stint from Ian McStay with two wickets, Chearsley’s progress was aided by an injury to Thame’s leading wicket-taker, Ali Thomas, who limped out of the attack after just two overs. They finished on 273 for 4 from 52 overs. After tea, with only 48 overs available, Thame set off at a gallop in pursuit but lost wickets regularly. Thanks to Richard Carr (77) and a maiden, 2nd XI half-century for Christian Warwick (62), Thame reached 201 for 7, thereby earning five points but seeing their lead cut to three points with three games remaining. They travel to bottom club,Banbury fourths this Saturday, August 20.

Third XI
THE third XI sadly did not play, due to Chearsley seconds forfeiting the game for lack of players. Thame now entertain Twyford thirds this Saturday, with their sights set on finishing in at least second place in Division 9 (North).