Thame Cricket Club kicked off their Cherwell League Division One campaign with a three-wicket win over Buckingham Town.
Looking to build on their good form in the second half of last season, Thame have recruited a number of players throughout the club with the first team opening the season with a trip to Buckingham on Saturday.
Bowling first, the difficult weather conditions allowed the hosts to pass 200 before Thame’s perseverance claimed the last wicket in the 47th over with Buckingham on 206. Will Rooney was the pick of the bowlers with 3-35.
The visitors made a solid start in reply, with James Nielson (22) and player-coach James Crichton (84) steadying the ship after the loss of Mike Higgs, before Will Taylor (54) joined Crichton, who was making his debut, and together the pair added 117 for the fourth-wicket to put Thame into a commanding position.
There was a slight wobble as three wickets fell in close succession, but skipper Sam Lachlan and Ian McStay saw the visitors over the line.
Thame now host Oxford IIs this Saturday, the only other Division One side to have won their first game of the season.
The seconds’ game was rained off, while the thirds lost a truncated game at Aston Rowant by 57 runs.