Thame firsts remain unbeaten and now are top of the table in Cherwell League Division One after another thrilling two-wicket victory against a strong Cumnor side.
In a rain-reduced game, one of only two to be played in Division One, Thame elected to field in a 33/30 over match.
Sam Lachlan and Jarryd McPhee put pressure on the Cumnor openers from the outset and when spin twins Hassam Mushtaq (3-26) and captain Mike Higgs (6-61) were introduced, Cumnor struggled, with the score at 60-6.
However, D. Warner’s 57 not out steered Cumnor to what looked like a below-par 138 all out in 28 overs, giving Thame five vital extra overs.
In response, Thame made a shaky start, finding themselves wobbling at 30-4, but the new-found belief and spirit among the young side meant the team decided to gamble and go all out for victory.
Gritty knocks from Matt Furness (26) and Sam Lachlan (26no) guided Thame to victory in the penultimate over, with Chris Jeffcock coming in and hitting 13 in seven balls.
Thame visit Great Brickhill this Saturday for a top-of-the-table clash with both sides currently unbeaten.
Elsewhere, Thame IIs bowled Abingdon Vale out for 102 in 43.4 overs with Chris Penny taking 5-62 and Cian Davies 2-14. When Thame batted, a quick-fire 45 from Adam Phippen, supported by Ben Warwick (25), secured the victory as Abingdon fought hard in taking seven wickets.
The IIIs’ game against Stokenchurch was rained off.
