Thame First XI produced an excellent all-round performance on Saturday at Church Meadow to finish their home season with a win against second placed Shipton-under-Wychwood.
The hosts exerted pressure from the start after electing to bowl first and did not let the Shipton batsmen build any partnerships.
Thame’s bowling has had a real cutting edge throughout the season, however it was two stalwarts in Sam Lachlan and Mike Higgs who, with new recruit John Maynard, bowled Shipton out for 133 in the 39th over.
Lachlan ended with figures of 3 for 48, including the wickets of the dangerous Jason Hunt and Simon Hole, whilst Higgs had excellent figures of 3 for 7 off 6 overs, and Maynard took 4 for 35.
In reply, Thame’s innings got off to a quick start with Mike Higgs hitting 31, and James Neilson batting well for his 43.
Ed Barnett hit 25, however it was left to Deon Laubscher to see Thame home with 18 not out in the 29th over.
Whilst Horspath have already taken the promotion place in the league, this result leaves Thame third, just behind Shipton, with one game of the season left - away at Leighton Buzzard on Saturday.
The Seconds lost away to Leighton Buzzard, despite Richard Carr hitting another 50, and the Thirds lost at home to a strong Oxford side, with only Ben Warwick (54) making a good score as Thame could only manage 134 with the bat.
