A WEAKENED Thame Town side fought hard, but could not deny Farnham Royal victory despite Jaydeep Bhatti’s six-wicket haul in Division 2 West of the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League.

Thame inserted Farnham and good opening spells from Sam Lachlan and Seetal Patel kept the hosts under pressure.

Left-armer Bhatti (6-47) changed the game in partnership with fellow spinner Mike Higgs to dismiss Farnham for what looked like a below-par 159.

Without regular openers Michael Beard and Pratik Patel, Thame’s weakness in batting showed although they never looked out the game.

A spirited 48 from skipper Lachlan gave Thame real hope of victory, but a few dubious decisions finished them off as they were bowled out for 130 with five minutes left.