CRICKET: Match reports for the weekend – Aug 4-5

First Eleven push Tring Park all the way – ANOTHER much-improved performance from Thame Town Cricket Club’s firsh eleven couldn’t prevent defeat at home to Tring Park last Saturday. After losing a couple of early wickets Mike Beard (33) and Gami Kanishka (65) laid a platform, but when both fell after lunch the lower order crumbled; only Richie Straughan passed 20 as Thame reached 200 all out. The Thame spin trio of Mike Higgs, Andy Russell and Hassam Mushtaq then demonstrated the quality that saw Thame promoted the previous year. All bowled with excellent control and wickets were shared around as Tring were reduced to 150-7.However, a couple of chances went down and Tring overseas David Brent saw his side home with a fine half century. Thame travel to Banbury next weekend.

Hassam Mushtaq

Seconds undone by East Oxford Firsts in top-of-the-table clash

THE second XI faced a top-of-the-table clash against East Oxford. Batting first, Thame got off to a steady start with runs coming from Christian Warwick (27) and skipper Matt Furness (39). However, Thame’s middle order struggled against East Oxford’s strong bowling attack, leaving them all out for 114. Thame quickly got back into the game, largely thanks to early wickets from youngster Jonathan Jelfs (3-40). Ultimately though, their total was not enough against East Oxford’s strong middle order, who won with 4 wickets in hand. Despite this loss, the 2nd XI head into their last four games focussed on securing promotion from Division 4 and host Shipton-under-Wychwood seconds this Saturday, August 11.

Thirds make it six-on-the-trot against Kimble Seconds

THAME thirds stretched their winning-run to six against a strong Kimble second eleven on Saturday (Aug 4). Kimble were soon pegged back by Will Bruce-Morgan (2-15) and Rob Tomlin (1-20). At 36-3 off 14 overs, Kimble continued to attack but John Phippen (3-36), Vim Desai (3-17) and Ian McStay (1-2) took wickets at regular intervals, supported by good catching, as they were dismissed for just 114 in 32 overs. After the break, Thame were led home at a gallop by George Patey (40*) and Justin Avery (55*), as they finished on 116 for 1, in just 20 overs, for 1 wicket. Thanks to this convincing win, Thame stay 2nd in Division 9. Next up are in-form Cumnor thirds, this Saturday, August 11, again at home.

Fourths fall to High-flying Cropredy

THAME fourths travelled to second-placed Cropredy and, despite good bowling from Mark Fellowes (2-27) and Neil Smith (2-51), Cropredy’s Noonan (105*) helped them reach an imposing target of 261. Fellowes (26) and Smith (29) made some good progress and Rob Kenny (35*) batted superbly to earn important batting points for Thame, before eventually being all out for 151.They next travel to play Shipton-under-Wychwood fourths this Saturday, August 11.

Softball tourament for woment and girls this Sunday

THAME’S female players are preparing to host the club’s first Softball Festival this Sunday, August 12, at Church Meadow between 12 midday and 4pm. Entry is free and all players are welcome, including beginners. Just go here to register :-http://www.thamecricket.org.uk/womens-softball-cricket-festival-sign-up-now/

SOURCE: Contributed