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Category: Sports News

  • 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

  • Agonising 1-run defeat for Thame cricketers at Slough

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s 1st XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a nail-biting clash with top-of-the-table Slough last Saturday. A disciplined bowling display kept Slough under pressure, but a superb 106*from Conrad Louth propelled them to 271-4 declared off 62 overs. Will Sutcliffe got the chase off to a flier with a fluent 38. Enter Thame’s overseas player, Gami Kanishka, who took the fight to Slough on a turning wicket. Supported by skipper Mike Beard (61), Kanishka raced through to a fine hundred to put Thame within touching distance. When both fell at the end of a 150-run partnership, only 40 more were required but with four-an-over needed, it came down to 5 off the last over, with 2 wickets left. Callum Russell was bowled third ball and with 2 required from the final two balls, brother Andy was run out to seal defeat by just 1 run.

    Gami Kanishka

    Rest of the match reports from Saturday, July 28

    Second XI defeat Charlbury Firsts

    THE second XI, with one of their youngest sides of the season, welcomed Charlbury to Church Meadow. Tight bowling from Liam Evans and James McStay put early pressure on Charlbury’s batsmen, allowing spin-twins Dan Patey (4-63) and Ali Thomas (5-47) to rip through Charlbury’s batting, leaving them all out on 161. In reply, Thame fell to 44-3, but classy innings from the young pair of Harry Thomas (50*) and Christian Warwick (61) helped them past Charlbury’s total within 32 overs. The 2nds travel to East Oxford on Saturday for a top-of-the-table clash.

    Thirds beat the rain to record fifth win on the trot

    THE thirds travelled to Oxford on Saturday where Will Bruce-Morgan (2-19) and Luke Hayes caused immediate problems for Oxford fourths. However, several missed chances allowed Carey to reach 55 and it was left to Ian McStay (4-40), Vim Desai (3-30) and John Phippen (1-21) to bowl out Oxford for 152. After tea, Joe Phippen (25) and Andy Jinman (38) laid Thame’s foundations, putting on 60. Two breaks for rain then turned it into a run-chase, with Paddy Harris (23) and Pete Higson (19) bringing Thame home, by three wickets. They host Kimble seconds on Saturday.

    Fourths battle wind and rain to defeat Bicester and North Oxford thirds

    THAME fourths hosted Bicester & North Oxford thirds and had immediate success, with Danny Thompson (1-25) and Ed Mather (2-20) combining well. Neil Smith (3-6) and Mark Fellowes (3-15) then reduced Bicester to 91 all out. In reply, Thame started well with Tim Dabbs (40) and Tim Airstone and, despite a flurry of wickets, Smith (20*) steadied the ship as Thame won by four wickets. They next travel to promotion-chasing Cropredy thirds.

    Women lose friendly against touring side

    THAME’S Women hosted a side from Mistley, Colchester, on Saturday. Fielding first they got off to a tremendous start through White (3-45) and Clarke (3-26) but Mistley reached 203, thanks to captain Cornelius (106*). In reply, Thame managed 163 through White (39*), Morris (28) and John (29).

    There will be a cricket softball festival at the Thame cricket ground on August 12, for Girls and Women of all ages (no experience needed). It’s free to sign up and will be a great, fun introduction to cricket. Sign-up details at www.thamecricket.org.uk

  • Emotions run high at Racquets’ One Day Tournament

    ON Saturday, July 14, Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, hosted another of its popular One Day Squash Tournaments, welcoming children of all standards and ages to come along and participate in some competitive match play.

    Malakai Davison, aged just 7, and already a winner!

    Seventeen children competed across three mini tournaments, with the players ranging from 7 to 16 years-old. This was most definitely the closest competition held to date with very few matches being won in straight sets. For many of the kids this was their first tournament, and a great way for them to put all their training into practice, and for their parents to see them play a ‘proper’ match!

    Having a variation of age and standard within the same tournament gave our more experienced juniors the opportunity to mentor the younger players and support them throughout the day. Squash coach, Chloe Marshall, emphasised: “These events provide invaluable lessons to all of our junior players, particularly our youngest competitors who are constantly learning and developing – physically, socially, mentally and emotionally!” This tournament demonstrated just how important it is for children to experience situations where they are feeling under pressure, and figuring out how to deal with their emotions when things are out of their control and not going their way.

    “These are common challenges of not only sports competitions, but many other areas of children’s everyday lives such as friendships and school tests. Racquets Fitness Centre proudly nurtures their junior squash players, focusing on developing their players using a holistic approach. ”

    A big ‘well done’ to everyone that took part in the tournament at the weekend, particularly 7 year-old Malakai Davison who won his group, even though this was his first competitive competition in squash! Malakai didn’t have a straight forward journey to the gold medal but with a positive attitude, and his eyes on the prize, he managed to keep a cool head and secure the win.

    The eventual final saw Malakai beat 16 year-old newbie, Jasmine, 2-1.

    Group winners

    Pink Group – Malakai Davison

    Orange Group – Thomas Taylor

    Green Group – Ollie Cartwright and Molly Woods

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Cricket: TTCC first team suffer defeat at Henley

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s first XI travelled to third-placed Henley on Saturday, July 14, in need of a win to kick off the quest for survival. Henley won the toss and put Thame into bat. In another poor batting display, Thame were all out for 73 after 25.4 overs, with skipper Mike Beard (37) providing some resistance. Henley then coasted their way to victory, reaching 74-0 from just 10.1 overs. Thame play an out-of-form High Wycombe side this Saturday, July 21, at Church Meadow, in a match sponsored by J Bennett & Son.

    Second XI falls to Brackley firsts

    THAME second XI welcomed Brackley to Church Meadow. Batting first, Thame regularly lost wickets with skipper Matt Furness (55) the only one to put up much resistance to Brackley’s bowling attack. This left Thame on an under-par total of 127. Despite some early wickets, a half-century from Brackley batsman Luke Stone meant the visitors chased down Thame’s total quite comfortably with five wickets remaining. Thame second XI face Long Marston away this Saturday, hoping to secure their spot in the promotion places.

    Rob Tomlin, who starred in the TTCC thirds’ win at Kingston Bagpuize

    Third XI win their third on the bounce

    THE thirds travelled to Kingston Bagpuize on Saturday and, choosing to field in the hot sun, made a perfect start, with Rob Tomlin (3-29) and James Olliver (2-13) reducing the hosts to 19 for 5. Kingston Bagpuize seconds dug themselves out of the hole through Murray (35) and Temple (39), against tight bowling. It was left to spin twins, Ian McStay (2-31) and Tim Hester (2-20), combined with a good run out (Olliver-Harris) to eventually prise out the remaining batsmen, with the final KB total at 136 from 40.1 overs. After tea, Thame started quickly on the fast outfield, but were pegged back to 41-4, with only Andy Jinman (27) getting runs. Ian Chappell (42*) and Ian McStay (28) compiled the match-winning partnership and Paddy Harris (17*) finished well after 28 overs. Thame thirds welcome Bledlow Ridge seconds to the LWS ground this Saturday.

    Fourths impress in a winning draw

    THAME fourths hosted Abingdon Vale, having beaten them two weeks before. Thame were put into bat and started well with Tim Dabbs (17) and Shay Reading (17). Tim Airstone then scored a masterful 75, supported by Josh Edworthy (22), to post a total of 190-9. On a variable wicket, Danny Thompson returned figures of 3-43, with support from Neil Smith (2-31) and Shay Reading (2-26). Despite a late flurry of wickets Abingdon survived for a draw on 174-8. Thame next play away to Westbury thirds.

  • First ever League win for Thame’s lady cricketers

    THAME’S women claimed victory over Cookham Dean in their first-ever match in the Thames Valley Women’s League. Losing the toss, Thame Town Cricket Club’s ladies fielded first and held Cookham Dean to 147-7 in 30 overs, with newcomer Jill Nelson outstanding in the field. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers – Sally Brentnall, Sarah Sanderson , Mel White, Bridget Cooper and Jess Clarke all taking one apiece.

    Victorious women’s cricket team in their first ever league win!

    In reply, Thame looked in command thanks to Beth John (47) and White (30), but a tense finish loomed as Cookham Dean’s bowled tightly. Sanderson’s steady innings, with support from junior Holly Zijderveld, in her first match, saw Thame through to 148 with 2 overs to spare.

    Men’s Firsts fail to follow up last week’s draw

    THAME TCC Firsts fell to a disappointing defeat at home to fellow-strugglers Finchampstead on Saturday. Batting first, Thame found the going tough against strong new ball bowling. With wickets falling at regular intervals, only Beard, Adams and Mushtaq scored over 20 and Thame finished on a well-below-par 149. Mike Higgs struck twice early on but 149 never looked competitive and Finchampstead reached their target for the loss of 5 wickets with overs to spare. Thame travel to Henley this Saturday.

    Seconds slip up at Bletchley

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s second XI travelled to Bletchley last weekend. Batting first, Bletchley started quickly, until youngster Jonathan Jelfs (4-52) made several breakthroughs. However, Bletchley’s batsmen were scoring quickly throughout to propel them to a strong total of 244 from 53 overs. In response, Thame lost wickets regularly, with the only resistance coming from Matt Furness (24), Daniel Patey (23) and Alastair Thomas (28). This left Thame all out for 147, meaning that they slip down to second place. They will look to consolidate their promotion position this Saturday, home to Brackley.

    Convincing win over second-placed Tiddington for ‘the thirds’

    THAME Thirds delivered another strong performance at home by beating second-placed Tiddington by seven wickets and leapfrogging them into second place. Thame made good use of a seaming track and skittled out Tiddington for 56 inside 30 overs. Wickets were shared around by debutant James Olliver (3-7), Luke Hayes (3-8) and James McStay (2-9). In reply, Thame scored the runs quickly as Guy Holmes (16*) guided the team home inside 10 overs. Thame Thirds next play Kingston Bagpuize away this Saturday, July 14 .

    Fourths beaten at Eynsham

    THE Fourths travelled to Eynsham and bowling first, were immediately under pressure. Eynsham’s batsmen declared on an impressive 254-3 off just 32 overs. Wickets were shared by Rob Tomlin, Dan Constant and Sean Hayes. Facing 58 overs chasing, Thame never looked like reaching the total. A Josh Edworthy (34) and Tim Airstone (26) partnership was the one high point for Thame. However, Thame eventually fell short of surviving for a draw – all out for 157 in the 55th over. They next host Abingdon Vale Four.

  • Much improved tally for Thame’s Cricketers

    THAME Town Cricket Club hosted Oxford last weekend, June 30, in a crunch clash, sponsored by J Bennett & Son. Oxford’s openers both fell just short of 50’s but gave Oxford an excellent platform. Thame fought back well through Andy Russell (4-74) and Hassam Mushtaq, who took 6-54 in a fine spell of legspin bowling. Oxford made 247 on a turning wicket. In reply, Thame were soon 65-4 and staring down the barrel. It took a stoic innings from skipper Mike Beard (44*) to stop the rot but when Mushtaq (66) proceeded to launch a blistering counter attack, the most unlikely of victories looked possible. Eventually Thame finished on 184-7 to secure a draw. They entertain Finchampstead this Saturday.

    Hassam Mushtaq, who put in an outstanding all-round display for the Firsts against Oxford

    Seconds stay Top of the Table

    THAME Seconds travelled to play third-placed Tiddington. Electing to bat, early wickets put Thame on the back foot but Harry Thomas (41*) rebuilt, allowing Jack Aston (34) to accelerate. Thame finished up on 202 for 8 from the 53 overs. In reply Tiddington started slowly against tight bowling from Matt Ridgeway (2-23) and Adam Phippen. With pressure building, the wickets came for spinners Dan Patey (5-47) and Ali Thomas (3-13). Picking up 25 points, bowling Tiddington out for 140 with 1.1 overs to spare, keeps Thame top of the league. This Saturday, July 7, they travel to take on Bletchley Firsts.

    Third XI beat the leaders !

    THAME thirds convincingly beat top-of-the-table Bletchley Town Seconds by 80 runs to keep them third in Division Nine. Thame were put in and Justin Avery (43) and George Patey (30) got Thame off to a flyer. In the middle order, Liam Evans (49) and Sam Nicholls (38) piled on the runs, in the heat, declaring on 236 for 8. After tea, only opener Ifthikar (39) was a real threat for Bletchley, all out for 156. Main wicket-takers were Ben Buckland (2) and Vim Desai (4). Thame next entertain second-placed Tiddington on Saturday.

    Fourths win on the road at Abingdon

    THAME Fourths travelled to play Abingdon Fourths, who batted first. Despite a first-wicket stand of 86, Abingdon were all out 177, thanks to Ed Mather (5-52) and Tony Barnes (3-35). Thame also made a good start of 82, through Nick Fuller (52) and Tim Dabbs (33). Backed up by Max Muncaster (20) and Dan Hart (19), Thame won with nine overs to spare. This Saturday, the fourths travel to promotion- contenders Eynsham.

    Thame women victorious against Maidenhead and Bray

    THE performance of Thame’s Women’s cricket team matched the mercury rising on a scorching Sunday afternoon, July 1, in a home friendly against Maidenhead and Bray, reaching 225 in their highest run-total yet, leaving their opponents melting with 163. Highlights of the Thame innings came from Beth John, smashing 30* in each of 2 innings, Mel White (30) and Bridget Cooper (30). Runs also for Claire Morris, Vicky Shaw, Gill Kelleher and Clare Seed. In the M&BCC innings there were wickets for John, Cooper and Budde-Manning.

  • Games in the street for Thame’s young sports people

    THIS year was the third in a row that Manoj Parmar’s Sports In The Street event had closed Thame town centre to traffic; and once again, this unique event proved to be very popular with the town’s budding young sports people.

    Manoj told Thame.Net: “It was of a huge benefit to the town with a total of 15 sports clubs coming together this year! There was a huge turn out from the children of Thame and the surrounding areas. It was great to see so many kids in the high street with a Live Steel Band! The Town Mayor Ann Midwinter, the SODC Chair Lorraine Hillier, the Oxfordshire Chair Gill Sanders, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Mrs Marie-Jane Barnett, all opened up the event and then went round to speak to all the clubs and even join in with a few of the sessions!

    “Before the event started we sang the national anthem in respect and in the sportsman’s spirit.”

    Manoj continued: “The event was a great success and it wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of the townspeople and the town council. A special thank you to our sponsors Kubota and Lightfoots for sponsoring the certificates for the children. I hope the children will use all the free sports gifts from MP Sport to help them become professional players in the future!”

    Every child received a free Sports gift, including tennis rackets, key-chains, badminton rackets, table tennis rackets, tennis balls and much more.

    The next event Manoj Parmar plans on organising is a Summer Holiday cricket course for children aged 6-13 years, at his new cricket ground, Mp Sports Field, on Kingsey Road. For more information about this event, visit www.mpsportscricketacademy.co.uk or call 01844 212226.

  • Social Enterprise supports record number of local athletes to success

    TALENTED athletes – 132 of them – from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse will benefit from a £74,050 Fund – thanks to charitable social enterprise GLL.

    The athletes will be supported through the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, which this year marks its 10th year of supporting today and tomorrow’s athletes.

    Kick Boxer, Ian Carter,from Thame, one of the GLL Sport Foundation beneficiaries

    The athlete awards cover Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth sporting disciplines. With a staggering 84% of award recipients receiving no other sport funding and 77% of recipients being aged under 21, the Sport Foundation has highlighted a vital funding gap for young talented athletes currently competing at National and international levels.

    The following are all of the athletes from the Thame area benefitting from the award:

    Linsey Smith – Cricket

    Marcus Birmingham – Swimming

    Ian Carter – Kickboxing

    Joshua Williams – Swimming

    Jane Bell – Triathlon

    Elizabeth Ryan, aged 10, the youngest GSF athlete who competes in Modern Pentathlon and swims at Henley Leisure Centre, said, “I look forward to using my funding to buy my first swim wetsuit. It will also help my mum with my travelling costs.”

    GSF Patron and former Olympic Champion Sally Gunnell explained the core role the GSF takes in supporting the next generation of athletes and thus ensuring a sporting legacy is in place for future generation: “Sport is such an important element in our lives whether that be as an athlete; a coach or within the wide network of support, sport can and will continue to deliver so much for us. This was seen once again from the euphoria that gripped the Nation during the World Athletics Championships last year.

    “It was fantastic to see GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes deliver medal successes and others to break through to the international representative level. It is a core ambition for the Foundation to be successful in supporting both today’s and tomorrow’s athletes.”

    Peter Bundey, GSF Chair, paid tribute to the athletes, programme stakeholders and also highlighted the impact the Foundation is making: “The wealth of young sporting talent within our local communities is truly inspiring. We are delighted to play our part in supporting the development of sporting talent across in every region in the where GLL operate sports and leisure facilities. We believe that the vast majority of the athletes that benefit from the GLL Sport Foundation will give something back to sport and society in a positive way; whether as a future champion inspiring the nation, sports coach, volunteer, fund raiser or as an inspirational role model to other young people to get active and involved in sport.”

    He added: “I would like to thank all our partners and sponsors for their support for the programme. SportsAid, SportsAid Wales and Mary Peters Trust provide the direct links to Sport Governing Body talent pathways, whilst our many corporate sponsors headlined by GLL and Technogym, numerous local authorities, university and physiotherapy partners directly contribute to support these sporting dreams to become a reality.”

    Since its launch in 2007, the GSF has provided over 16,000 athlete awards at a total support value of over £9 million across the UK.

    The Gold coast Commonwealth games were historic successes for home nations, and the GSF supported athletes also broke the Foundation’s record medal haul with 18 medals won between the 60 athletes that competed.

    Supported athletes receive Award packages that include financial grants of up to £1,250, free training memberships enabling access across 300 GLL and partner operated sporting venues along with access to sports science, medical support and employment opportunities all focussed towards supporting their athlete journey.

  • Thame’s cricketing first team still looking for a win to fire off their season

    THAME’S Second XI returnd to top of Division four on Saturday, June 23, after beating Abingdon Vale, while the first team made a heavy loss against local rivals, Aston Rowant.

    Sam Lachlan

    Thame firsts were looking to get their season back on track against a side they had beaten last year to gain promotion. Aston Rowant won the toss and asked Thame to bat. In a poor display, Thame were skittled out for just 59, with Callum Russell’s 18 not out, the top score. The hosts chased down the target without losing a wicket. Thame now welcome fellow-strugglers Oxford to Church Meadow this Saturday, July 1, in a match sponsored by J. Bennett & Son Insurance.

    IN their match, the seconds lost the toss and were asked to bowl. Thame always looked firmly on top with devastating opening spells from Sam Lachlan (7-41) and Matt Ridgway (3-17), leaving Abingdon all out for just 73 runs. In response, openers Christian Warwick (28) and Harry Thomas (32*) ensured a comfortable nine-wicket win for Thame. This victory means they now go back to the top of Cherwell League, Division Four, and travel to Tiddington seconds this Saturday, July 1.

    Third team’s batting falls short in Run-chase

    THAME thirds visited Stokenchurch secpnds, starting a pivotal run of fixtures in mid-season. Bowling first, Thame got the early breakthrough from Will Bruce-Morgan (1-33), before a swift 90 partnership put the hosts on top. Ian McStay (3-39) and Vim Desai (1-18) then put the brakes on Stokenchurch, who ended on 188-5. In reply, Thame slumped to 63-6, with only Andy Jinman (36) getting a start in the top order. From there, Tim Hester (39) and Paddy Harris (26*) gave Thame hope, but once Hester departed Thame were 137 all out. The third XI host Bletchley Town seconds this Saturday, July 1.

    Thame Fourth XI lose at Dinton

    THAME fourths travelled to Marsh and were put into bat. In the face of excellent Dinton bowling (O’Sullivan 7-31), Thame were soon 3-3. However, Ben Ward (15) and John Phippen (36) managed a good recovery to 94 all out. In reply, Dinton reached 95 for 2 after 16 overs to claim the win, despite good spells from Max Muncaster and John Phippen. The Fourths travel to play Abingdon Vale Fourths on Saturday.

  • 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.