Thame were denied victory by a stubborn Beaconsfield, who held on for an unlikely draw in Division 2 West.

Thame were left to reflect on five overs being lost in Beaconsfield’s innings – which could have given them the time to get the crucial final wicket.

On a cold and damp day, Beaconsfield won the toss and put Thame in to bat.

Michael Beard and Pratik Patel mastered the early pace and movement, but both struggled to build an innings.

In seamer-friendly conditions, wickets fell regularly, and at 86-7, Thame looked in real trouble.

But an excellent knock of 74 from Jaydeep Bhatti saw Thame reach 200 all out.

In reply, Beaconsfield’s big-hitting Shahid Mahmood was brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Manoj Parmar, running back to fine leg.

Wickets tumbled regularly to Thame’s accurate bowling and sharp fielding, with only Chris Thomas (71) and Paul Gurnell (35) making significant headway.

However, despite Thame’s best efforts, the home side held on for a draw.