Baker’s ton helps Brickhill to draw

Michael Baker’s 101 helped the home side counter-act Hassam Mushtaq’s 157 in the first innings, as Brickhill came up just short of the victory to remain sixth in the table.

Over-night rain threatened to put the game in jeopardy, but all 100 overs were played as the afternoon grew warmer.

With Thame at the crease, Brickhill’s Julian Blackwell did the business to take out the openers on his way to best figures of 3-84.

Mushtaq though, in at four, led the recovery for Thame. His 157 was above and beyond anything his batting partners could muster, though he was ably assisted by James Crichton’s 63 as Thame declared on 314-9.

It meant Brickhill would need something special to win, and it looked like it was going to come as they got off to a flyer.

After his knock of 69 last week against Tiddington, Anton de Beer chipped in with 61 at the top of the order, but fellow opener Baker was leading the way with a superb 101.

Brickhill’s trouble came though in that none of the other batsmen were able to score as freely.

Doug Aris and Barry Webb added 33 apiece, but runs were proving troublesome to score.

Thame’s William Rooney took 4-59 to make light work of the middle order as Brickhill’s chances of victory faded in the latter stages of the game.

In the end, the home side ran out of overs, and had to settle for a share of the points and a losing draw, scoring 296-8.

Great Brickhill have a great chance to climb up the table next Saturday as they face a trip to Twyford - a team one place and two points above them in the table.