Kanishka century and Higgs’ five-wicket haul give Thame big win

THAME Town Cricket Club are celebrating after three wins and a draw from their four matches last weekend, August 5-6.

Gami Kanishka

Thame first XI put in a commanding performance in the final timed game of the season to demolish Shipton-under-Wychwood last Saturday. Despite the threat of Shipton’s overseas fast bowler Sanklecha, Thame’s batsmen rose to the challenge superbly. The seamer finished wicketless as the top order rallied around Thame’s own overseas star, Gamindu Kanishka (pictured). With great support from the other batsmen, on a difficult wicket, Kanishka stole the show with a sensational 122 not out, from just 117 balls, allowing Thame to declare on 252-4 inside 46 overs.

Taking 10 Shipton wickets in 44 overs was not going to be easy against batsmen intent on defence but Thame’s spinners showed excellent patience in chipping away at the Shipton top order. Mike Higgs in particular was faultless in producing figures of 5-24 from 18 overs, but with 25 minutes of play remaining Thame still required 4 Shipton wickets to take a well-deserved victory. It was left to Andy Russell (3-6 from 9 overs) to spark jubilant scenes as he had the final batsman held at short leg by Adam Phippen with 10 minutes remaining. Shipton were finally dismissed for just 58.

Thame still sit fourth in the HCPL, within touching distance of promotion with four games remaining.

Firsts finish second in T20 group after beating rivals Aston Rowant

TMAE welcomed Aston Rowant to Church Meadow on Tuesday, August 1, in the last game of the group stages. Batting first, Captain Will Sutcliffe led the way with an unbeaten 72, supported by Callum Russell (29) and Gamindu Kanishka (26), as Thame posted 149.
Adam Phippen and Will Rooney claimed 2 wickets each and Jeffcock, Kanishka and Higgs (1-7 off 4) all picked up one apiece. Tight bowling along with 2 run outs, meant Rowant ended up on 130 after their 20 overs. This means that Thame now travel to Wormsley on September 16th for Finals Day, to compete for the Wilf Bennett Cup.

Second XI dig in at Shipton-under-Wychwood

WINNING the toss and electing to bat, Shipton got off to a strong start, with runs coming from Swann (38) and Nelson (45). However, the introduction of Alastair Thomas (2-42) and Chris Penny (3-60) tightened things up for Thame. Quick run scoring in the final overs did nevertheless push Shipton’s total up to 198. In response, Thame faced an uphill battle, with only 42 overs to reach the target. Despite runs from skipper Matt Furness (38) and Daniel Patey (52), Thame ended on 160 for 8, forcing a draw. Thame welcome local rivals Tiddington to Church Meadow this Saturday, August 13.

Thame thirds keep pushing for promotion

Thame thirds beat second-placed Challow & Childrey thirds, in Wantage, in a rain-affected match, by 65 runs. Thame were asked to bat first and were bowled out for a competitive score of 166. Andy Jinman once again led with the bat, making 61, with good support from Oli Sutcliffe (29) and Ian Chappell (22), as well as useful runs from James McStay (14) and Ian McStay (12). In reply, Challow were put under pressure by opening bowlers Ian McStay (3 wickets) and Pete Tervet (2). The run rate rarely climbed above 2 runs per over and Will Bruce-Morgan then chipped in with 3 wickets in a controlled seven-over spell. C&C were eventually bowled out for 101 in 32 overs and Thame claimed 25 points to remain in the promotion hunt. They are now just 15 points behind second-placed Challow with 4 games still to play and entertain Stokenchurch seconds this Saturday.