Thame's long unbeaten run finally ends

Put into bat on a wet wicket, Thame’s batsmen struggled to get going as they lost wickets regular. Only Captain Higgs (58) and Garg (43) were able make significant contributions as the side were dismissed for a below-par 177.

On a drying wicket, Shipton scored more freely in reply as Hemming, with 63 not out, led the way. Higgs took three wickets but Shipton eased over the line in 38 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Thame travel to Horspath this Saturday.

The club’s IIs were able to enjoy a relaxing tea on the same day after finishing their game by 3.40pm against newly-promoted Didcot IIs.

Winning the toss and asking Didcot to bat on a slow wicket, Chris Jeffcock took full advantage of the new ball with figures of 4-6 off 10 overs, including seven maidens.

He was ably supported by Ian McStay (10-5-15-3) and at one stage Didcot were 21-7 after 19 overs. They recovered to 67 all out, with Chris Penny and Ali Thomas taking the remaining wickets, but had little prospect of even a draw.

Dan Patey (28no) and Andy Jinman (23no) duly polished off the runs for Town, who finished on 71-1 in just 12 overs.

Thame IIs entertain Abingdon Vale 2nds this Saturday.

The IIIs made it an unbeaten start to the season with a ‘winning draw’ against Stokenchurch IIs.

Put into bat, Thame were struggling at 21-3, until skipper Vimal Desai (22) provided some fight. Then debutant Evan Davies (59) and Ally Ilsley (19) took Thame up to 126-7.

Finally, John Phippen added a quick 33 not out at the end to get the total to 169 all out.

In reply, the Stokenchurch openers were solid and watchful, building slowly to 32-0.

When Scott Chappell sharply ran out their top scorer, Peter Langford (54), and picked up three more wickets the match was wide open.

However, the visitors managed to hold out for a draw as they finished on 105-5.

Finally, in the junior section, there were good results for Thame U13s and U11s, both of whom beat MP Academy in the last week.

Next Tuesday, Thame are hosting the first-ever Schools Cricket Day at their ground – a kwik-cricket tournament for teams of boys and girls in years 5 and 6 from five local primary schools in the area.

The tournament runs from 10am until about 2.30pm and all parents and guests are welcome to attend.