Mixed fortunes for Thame cricket

It was a case of mixed fortunes and mixed weather for Thame Town Cricket Club last weekend, resulting in defeat for the first team, a win for seconds, who remain top of Division Five, and a narrow defeat for the thirds, who as a result, broke their unbeaten playing record and remain second in Division nine.

Match reports

First XI

THAME 1st XI struggled at Amersham as they fell to a seven wicket defeat on Saturday, June 18. Put in to play on another damp wicket, Thame struggled as they lost early wickets, but recovered to 55 for 3 at lunch. However, a flurry of wickets after lunch left Thame in trouble and sliding to a total of 102 all out. In reply, a couple of early chances went down and that gave Amersham the confidence to ease past the total with just three wickets down.

Second XI

THAME second XI entertained Banbury fourths on Saturday knowing they must win to keep themselves at the top of Cherwell League Division Five. After the monsoon rains of the previous Wednesday, the ground was wet but Captain Chris Jeffcock won the toss and chose to bowl first. Thame’s bowlers proceeded to squeeze the visiting batsmen on the wet track, with Ian McStay (12-4-20-2) and Jeffcock (13-3-19-3) applying the early pressure and runs coming painfully slowly. Ali Thomas (8-1-12-3) and George Patey (3.4-0-9-2) applied the finishing touches, Banbury all out for 99 off 46.4 overs. After tea, Thame was in a hurry to win the game, as Richard Carr (54 not out) and Andy Jinman (26) put on 60 for the first wicket, with the game won inside 16 overs.

Third XI

THAME third XI lost for the first time this season, away to Twyford thirds. Losing the toss, Thame batted first and were under pressure with the ball swinging around, being reduced quickly to 9 for 3. Only James McStay (30), Luke McStay (24 not out) and Joe Phippen (22) provided any resistance as Thame hauled themselves from 35-5 up to a defendable 130-9. Needing quick wickets, Will Bruce-Morgan removed an opener early on, but several Twyford batsmen put up stiff resistance. Vim Desai picked up five wickets to give Thame a chance and John Phippen (2-30) and James McStay (1-10) put them in sight of victory, but despite only needing one last wicket and Twyford still needing 25 runs, it was the home side that prevailed in a tense ending.

Women’s cricket

MEANWHILE, great news for all female cricketers and fitness enthusiasts, as Crick-Fit started up again last week at Thame’s ground at Church Meadow on Wednesdays (6.30 to 7.30). All women and girls are welcome to come along every Wednesday – just turn up on the night or contact Sheena Beard on 01844-213695 or sheenabeard@btinternet.com