Thame cricket: Wining eludes Thame ‘firsts’ at Horspath

Hassam Mushtaq who performed well for the firsts in their defeat at Horspath

THAME travelled to Horspath on Saturday, June 16, and were put into bat. Callum Russell (48) again top-scored for Thame, supported by Gami Kanishka’s 47. Thame lost wickets regularly, however, with Hassam Mushtaq (21*) again to thank for lower-order fight. Thame were 178 all out after 49 overs. In the field, Kalim Khan (1-38) removed the Horspath opener before Mushtaq (pictured) kept Thame’s faint hopes of defending the target alive, taking 3-47. However, runs came at pace – Horspath eventually reaching 182-4 off of 36.2 overs.

Thame travel to local rivals Aston Rowant on Saturday, June 23,looking to pick up a much-needed win.

Tense finish ends in draw for seconds

THAME’S second team hosted Witney Mills at Church Meadow. Losing the toss and bowling, Thame got off to a strong start thanks to early wickets from Matt Furness (2-71) and Alastair Thomas (2-56). However, Witney Mills then gained the momentum, with Thame failing to capitalise on the chances that they had to get out Niall Devaney (110*) and Michael Dove (35*). the visitors finished on 234 from their 53 overs. In response, Thame got off to a very strong start with runs from top-order batsmen Richard Carr (94), Christian Warwick (30) and Matt Furness (24). Guy Holmes’ knock of 37 almost propelled Thame to victory, but Thame were left stranded on 233 from their allotted 47 overs and had to settle for a draw.

Second-placed Thame will welcome Abingdon Vale seconds to Church Meadow on Saturday.

Huge unbeaten opening partnership gives thirds big win

THAME’S third team welcomed Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts thirds. Thame lost the toss and were put into bat. In a great batting performance, Thame didn’t lose a single wicket – Andy Jinman smashed 140 not out, supported by Joe Phippen’s 50 not out, with a generous 45 extras on top. Thame declared on 235-0, giving them nine extra overs to bowl at the visitors. Facing a tough chase, OBN got off to a flyer – Hussain racing to 65 to take his team to 70-0. James McStay (1-24) then removed Hussain, which led to a flurry of wickets. Desai (3-17) took out the middle order, before John Phippen (3-5) and Lewis Ludlam (3-5) ripped through the rest, leaving OBN all out for 101, just before the rain fell.

The thirds face fifth-placed Stokenchurch seconds away next week.

Fourths lose to Didcot forths by 70 runs

THE fourths travelled to play Didcot fourths who, batting first made 185 all out, with Tony Barnes (3-42) and Mark Fellowes (3-28) the main wicket-takers. In reply, Thame were all out for 115, with Dan Hart (27), Beth John (24) and Fellowes (28) making good runs.