Category: Sports News

HELLENIC League Division One East – Tuesday, 30/03/10 -Penn & Tylers Green 1 vs Thame United 2; MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

UNITED travelled to basement club, Penn & Tylers Green on Tuesday evening knowing that their nearest rivals Wokingham & Emmbrook?s match the same evening had been postponed, and victory would put Thame 12 points clear at the top of the league.

As it was, United were grateful to come away from the match with a victory against a side who belied their position at the foot of the table and gave Thame their toughest test for a number of weeks. Played on a damp pitch, Thame chose to play down the slope in the first half and despite plenty of possession in the opening few minutes failed to seriously test the home keeper. Penn, on the other hand, were causing problems for the away defence, particularly through ex-Thame United player Ricci Putnam, although efforts on goal were generally from distance. However, United nearly opened the scoring in the 24th minute when a corner from Luke Ricketts was headed goalwards, only to be cleared off the line, before Lawrence El-Kassir skewed the ball wide from 8 yards. Thame continued to press, but the elusive goal did not arrive and the first half ended goalless.

United pushed forward in the opening few minutes of the second half and striker Mark Jones had the best chance when he was unable to connect with a pinpoint cross from the Thame right. Penn again responded and were rewarded 10 minutes in to the half with the opening goal. A corner from the right was delivered to the near post and volleyed towards goal where it deflected off both Sam Cowan and Stuart Barr before looping over Lee Orkney in to the far corner of the net. With the light fading, United knew they had to dig deep to maintain their winning streak. And dig deep they did. Only two minutes after going a goal down they were on level terms. United won a free kick 25 yards from goal that Luke Ricketts drove towards the top corner of the goal, only for Matt Bryan in the home goal to make a good save. The ball, however, only ricocheted to Mark Jones who was quickest to react and headed the ball in to the far corner.

The game then became end-to-end as both sides searched for the winner. It was United, however, who secured the winning goal three minutes from time. Penn initially cleared a Thame corner before Mitchell Meredith returned the ball in to the area where, with the defence having pushed forward, captain Nik Rhodes found himself in space and calmly placed his shot low to the left of the keeper. With Thame celebrating, Penn remonstrated with the officials, claiming off-side but the goal stood and United were able to hold on to secure three hard fought points.

United now face Kintbury Rangers at AFC Wallingford this coming Saturday, 3:00pm kick off.

United: Orkney, Way, (Meredith), Nik Rhodes, Cowan, El-Kassir, Adam Rhodes, Barr (Hoskin), Jones (Stallwood), Rogers, Ricketts.

OPEN EVENING – Friday 23rd April 2010 – 6.30 ? 7.30pm
Lord Williams? Lower School Sports Hall, Towersey Road.

Thame Netball club is holding an open evening in the hope of recruiting new players for the 2010/11 season. We welcome players of all ages and abilities and you are welcome to drop in or to attend the whole session. If you are keen to come along please register your interest by emailing thamenetballclub@hotmail.co.uk.

Thame Netball Club currently consists of two teams, Tornadoes and Hurricanes. Both teams play in Division Four of the Aylesbury District Netball League. As a club we are hoping to expand from two teams to three for the 2010/11 season. While we are a competitive club we welcome players who are interested in training only as well as those who want to play competitively.

For more information about Thame Netball Club please visit www.thamenetballclub.co.uk or email thamenetballclub@hotmail.co.uk

CHINNOR Rugby Club is running a rugby camp during the Easter holidays for children of all levels between 5 – 12 year-olds.
Paste this link in your browser to download an application form:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/chinnor/?primary=aboutus&secondary=clubdocuments

MATCH PLAYED -March 25, 2010- Oxford RFC 0 vs Chinnor RFC 38 – March report by Mark Carter.

THE Chinnor Under 15s rugby squad knew before this match what a tall order it was to beat Oxford by a clear 34 points but the boys needed no additional motivation. They knew exactly what they had to do, and set about doing it from the first whistle and did not stop until the last. The skill, passion, fitness, commitment, camaraderie and, above all, the supreme intelligence, was fantastic. The boys played as a team, played for each other, and came out with what they wanted against an Oxford side who by no means threw in the towel.

For once, Chinnor dominated the early territory and possession. Playing with the wind in the first half, the forwards set up a strong platform for Henry Gayler to plough through the middle of the Oxford defence and score under the posts to settle the nerves with an early score. George Grose, who influenced the game with composure tonight at ten, stroked the ball through the sticks to claim the extras. Shortly afterwards the lead was extended when Nic Barker scampered down the right wing to score, but the angle was too tight for the conversion to succeed.

Our third almost came when Ollie Wingfield burst through and evaded several tackles, only to be held up on the line by a superb covering tackle but the try did eventually come when George English burst through to score and George G added the conversion to bring the score to 0-19.

And thus to half time, and to half-way there in a match Chinnor were totally dominating in terms of territory and possession despite being under huge pressure at the scrum, an area where Oxford were clearly on top.

To their huge credit Oxford did not hang their heads and give in. They came out fighting in the second half and enjoyed their first spell of pressure inside the Chinnor twenty-two. But the Chinnor defence held firm and, after a tense few minutes, the pressure was relieved in the best possible way. Guy Carter flicked the ball through his legs to Lewis Aitken, who had a wonderful game, who released Ollie; Ollie then ran from inside our own dead ball area to score at the other end. George G converted: 0 – 26, the bonus point secured, and edging closer.

But Oxford came back again and showed amazing spirit. Their forwards battered our defence but could find no way through. Wave after wave of Oxford attack was repelled in what was becoming a classic. The nerves of the Chinnor support were frayed, but there was time, there was hope. The boys had it all under control. The breakthrough came after a strong run from Cam Harvey was ended by a thumping covering tackle by Oxford’s fullback and then a line out steal allowed George E to grab his second of the night. With five minutes left the conversion was hastily struck and just missed: 0-31, and 3 points more needed.

Still Oxford came at us, but a knock on gave us a scrum, which we won, kicked downfield, and eventually won a penalty on the twenty-two. A tap and go and Henry took the ball and ran at the posts like a train. There was no stopping him as he bludgeoned his way to the line for his second and the decisive score. The Chinnor lads erupted in glee but George kept his nerve to slot the kick and give us a lead of 0-38. With the six try lead established, the game ended there.

For the record, the Chinnor team tonight was:
Rory O Connor; Tommy Evans; George English; Jack Pearce; Josh Wade (sub: Dom Bradbrook Taylor, HT); Rob Gascoyne; Connor Green; Guy Carter; Lewis Aitken; George Grose; Nic Barker; Henry Gayler; Ollie Wingfield; Joe Baldwin (sub: Cam Harvey, 2nd half); Max Judge. Subs not used: Jack Shiels; Barnie Matthews; Josh Entwhistle; Ross Bunsell; Dan Cundy.

Thanks also to Ieuan Mainwaring, Connor Wheeler, Lewis Cook and Tom Hook and Dougie Haynes for coming to support, and to Matt Faulkener and Cam Leff too, who could not be there tonight. These lads have played their part on the pitch throughout the course of the season but played an equally big part off it tonight.

We should also thank our hosts, tonight, Oxford, who gave it everything despite missing a number of players, and who showed exceptional good grace in defeat. Oxford will now go forward to a play off against either Quins or Henley to retain their first division status. We send them our best wishes for that game.

We also take our hats off to Wallingford, who led the table all season and who were pipped tonight by the slenderest of margins. Everyone at Chinnor salutes your achievements this season. We have been neck and neck all the way and it has made for an exciting race. We can only look forward to more of the same next season. Bring it on!

Boys, we are all very proud of you. Well done on a fantastic game tonight, and on a fantastic season. You did it the hard way, but the satisfaction is huge. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

We will give everyone, not just those who featured tonight but everyone who has played in the league this season, their medals at a presentation that we plan to have at the Club on Sunday 18 April.

Well done boys!

THAME Netball Club is approaching the end of what has been an enjoyable season. Having expanded from one team to two for the 2009/10 season, both Thame Tornadoes and Thame Hurricanes have been playing in the Aylesbury District Netball League Division Four. First team Thame Tornadoes have had a successful season and are currently sitting in second place in the league behind All Blacks 2. Their last game of the season sees them go head to head with All Blacks in what should be an exciting end to the season. If Thame take the win they will be automatically promoted to Division Three, otherwise they will find themselves in the play offs fighting for promotion. Either way the Tornadoes are extremely pleased with what they have achieved this season and hope for similar success next season.

Second team Thame Hurricanes have been battling hard in a difficult division and have two games left in the current season. As a team they have shown much improvement over the course of the season and they are now demonstrating some impressive netball. Despite struggling in this division the Hurricanes have remained positive and continue to play with commitment. They are hoping to secure a place in Division Four next season and will need to win their last two games in order to ensure this. The Hurricanes are determined to rise to this challenge and are training hard in preparation.

Thame Netball Club is holding an Open Evening on the 23rd April which will run from 6.30pm ? 7.30pm at Lord Williams? Lower School Sports Hall. We are inviting visitors to come along for a taster session and are actively seeking new members in the hope of expanding from two teams to three for the 2010/11 season. Visitors are welcome to attend the whole session or alternatively can drop in at any point throughout the session. If you are keen to come along please register your interest by emailing: thamenetballclub@hotmail.co.uk.

We welcome players of all ages and abilities and are keen to attract members who wish to play in a competitive league as well as those who are interested in training as non-playing members. We are also interested in attracting new sponsors for the 2010/11 season and would welcome any offers. For more information in relation to joining Thame Netball Club or becoming a sponsor, please visit:

www.thamenetballclub.co.uk

or email Thame Netball Club Secretary at thamenetballclub@hotmail.co.uk.

PHOTO: Members of Thame Netball Club pictured at last year’s Thame Festival

MATCH REPORT – Contributed by Andy McDonald – SCORE: Thame Boys 6 ? Chalfont Saints 1; Sunday, March 28, 2010.

THAME Boys thrashed Chalfont Saints at home in a style so pleasing to all coaches and parents, that it left many scratching their heads as to why Thame were not fighting for top spot in this league as opposed to battling at the other end of the table.

Many reasons, including many cases of bad luck or poor decisions but in the end this display was full of confidence and that is the main factor in turning domination into wins.

In this game Thame started as they have so many times, with the first 10 minutes of panic clearances leading to the first goal being conceded through the first opposition break of the game. But this game was different as Thame quickly gathered themselves and heads stayed up and our attacks continued. Passing became slicker and the through-balls were getting more accurate with an attacking midfield of Louie, Brad, Matthew and Duncan helped by Max just sitting in front feeding the pace of Alex KFC.

Our equalizer came quickly with Alex being fed by Max and rounding the keeper to tuck in the first of what was to become many. Thame took the lead with another well taken goal from Alex, using his pace to out-run the defence, this time fed in by Louie with a precision pass. Louie then got in on the action by taking a nicely lobbed third. Gerald made some changes with Ross coming on for Brad and Alex Ingle coming on for Brad.

Half-time came and players were warned about complacency and concentration levels. Our recently solid defensive line looked vulnerable at times and a few small changes were made to settle things down. Taylor was having a good game in goal and demonstrated his ability to come out and command his area really well. His kicking was also strong. Ross added some width and Alex Ingle showed battling qualities and determination which made things easier for the attackers.

Alex KFC cleverly rounded the keeper again to be brought down in the box for a penalty. Alex dispatched this confidently into the top corner for a 4-1 lead. Ross fed Alex for his fourth with some nice footwork on the left allowing Alex to neatly lob the keeper for a 5-1 lead. Stewart came on and showed real battling qualities to chase down every opportunity and nearly get in the act several times.

Opposition attacks were rare but those that did take place were quickly snuffed out by Ollie who was having a great game at left back. Showing his versatility Ollie seems to have claimed this place for his own with some fabulous clearances and passes to the midfield. George had another good game with some solid headed clearances and Cameron once again used his pace well to snuff out any Chalfont counter attacks. Thame rotated well with the evidence of squad quality showing by Gerald having the luxury of changing things around regularly once the game went quieter.

Not content with four goals, Alex was brought on again and soon dispatched his fifth by rounding the keeper again having outpaced a worn defence, run ragged by what was now a four man attack including Stewart, Ross, Max and Alex, the first time they have all been on together.

The whistle went for full-time and Chalfont were finally put out of their misery. This display was a great team effort and the quality of passing and movement after the initial 10 minute panic period was the best of the season so far. Thame seem to have found their best formation and can only hope that results go their way over the next few weeks.

Alex McDonald was awarded man-of-the-match for his five goals and owned the biggest smile seen on a Thame player. The boys enjoyed this game and enjoyed playing together as a team. Thame now have a few weeks off while others catch up on their games and our hope is that Marlow lose all their games, and Penn & Tylers lose three and win against Marlow. We also need Chalfont to beat both Penn & Tylers and Marlow at home and for us to beat Flackwell at home. It is still possible but the main thing is to repeat the performance shown against Chalfont and to enjoy training in the meantime.

Andy McDonald

SCORE: Thame United 1, Chinnor 0 – League match; 27/03/10 – MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

THAME United faced local rivals Chinnor on Saturday and won by a single goal. The game was played on a wet slippery pitch, and for much of the time it was raining, making it difficult for both sides to play attractive flowing football. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining game as both sides were totally committed and played with a tenacity and work rate only seen in local derbies.

Thame had the majority of first half possession and created several half chances, with Steve Newell, Luke Rickets and Mark Jones all going close. Although visiting keeper, Matt Tipping was busy, he was not really stretched. Chinnor?s attacks were few although, on 20 minutes, Adam Brooks missed a half chance.

The goal came with a minute if the first half remaining. Following a Thame attack which had broken down in the Chinnor penalty area, the ball was played out to Aaron Rogers on the right who hit a cross cum shot from 30-yards. The ball was not hard enough to be a serious shot and it seemed that Tipping would collect it comfortably. As he caught the greasy ball above his head, it slipped from his grasp and seemed to cross the goal line before the unfortunate goalkeeper recovered and cleared the ball. The linesman, who was in a good position, signaled goal.

Possession in the second half was more even although Thame created more chances than the visitors. Perhaps the best chance of the game fell to Mark Jones about 5 minutes after the restart when he met a Ricketts free kick with a close range header which flew over the bar. It looked as if Thame had increased their lead in the 65th minute when Adam Rhodes scrambled the ball home but the move was ruled offside. Both managers brought on substitutes and during the final 20 minutes, Chinnor came back, but were largely restricted to long-range shots with both Ryan Davis and Gary Marshall firing wide.

Overall, Thame were the better side for most of the game and deserved their three points. The result means that they have not conceded a goal in six successive games and are unbeaten since early December.

Thame United: Orkney, Newell, J Way, Cowan, N. Rhodes, El Kassir, Barr, A. Rhodes, Jones (Hoskin) Rogers (Stallwood), Ricketts.

Thame entertain Kintbury Rangers next Saturday 3rd April.

RUN with Racquets, Thame.

THAME Ladies Hockey celebrated a well-deserved draw against top-of-the-division side, Oxford University Ladies third team, on Saturday. Thame are currently second in the division with one game left to play.

From the outset, Thame exerted a great deal of pressure on the division leaders who have won their last 12 games, scoring 108 goals. The more experienced Thame side kept a tight formation that thwarted the oppositions? attempts at attack. Particularly effective was the strong defence in the centre of the pitch by Lynch, Williamson and Alexander.

On winning the ball, Thame showed the strength of their attacking players Greenwood-Hughes, Allen, Hardy and Dawson who opened multiple chances at goal. Unfortunately the ball did not find the back of the net despite some excellent shots.

Although ending in a goalless draw, this match was significant in showing the level that Thame Ladies hockey are capable of playing at, which bodes well should they earn promotion at the end of this season.

Thame Hockey Club meet for generally fitness training at Thame Leisure Centre on Mondays from 8.00-9.00pm and hockey training on Wednesdays from 8-9.30pm for adults (13 years +) and on Saturdays from 9-10.30am for juniors (8-14 years). New players of all abilities are welcome to come along. For more information, see the website: www.thamehockey.co.uk.

HELLENIC League Division 1 East, Thame United 2 v Rayners Lane 0. Saturday, March 20, 2010 – MATCH REPORT

THAME United extended their lead at the top of the Hellenic League Division 1 East to seven points with a comfortable victory at home to Rayners Lane on Saturday and, at the same time, made it nearly eight hours of football since they last conceded a goal.

Played in damp conditions, it was United who started the brighter of the two sides and could have taken the lead in the 15th minute when a penalty was awarded following a foul on Luke Ricketts just inside the box. Unfortunately for the Thame followers Adam Rhodes?s powerfully hit penalty was well saved by the away keeper low to his left. The respite for Rayners Lane was, however, short lived as Thame continued to press for the opening goal. This duly arrived in the 34th minute when a Steve Newell cross from the right was headed back across the six yard box by Aaron Rogers, where Mark Jones was on hand to score from close range. United nearly doubled the lead five minutes later when a Stuart Barr shot-cum-cross came back off the bar. A short while later Jones then crashed the ball against the bar with a powerful header from a Pete Way cross.

As it was, United went in to the break with only a one goal lead that failed to reflect their dominance of the play. However, the second half was only five minutes old when United doubled their lead. Adam Rhodes floated a free kick in to the box that got the faintest of touches off Stuart Barr, and enough to deceive the visiting keeper. At 2-0 United were comfortable and had the luxury of playing the game at their own pace and tempo. Whilst Rayners Lane had increasing possession for the remainder of the game, Orkney in the Thame goal was rarely threatened and, on the occasions he we, he was more than able to deal with the threat. United had chances to extend their lead as man of the match Luke Ricketts was a constant threat to the away side, but in the end cruised to another win, their ninth in ten games, and their fifth consecutive clean sheet.

United now have another big game on Saturday (27th March) when they welcome local rivals Chinnor to Wallingford for a 3pm kick off

Thame United: Orkney, Newell, Way, N.Rhodes, Cowan, A.Rhodes, El-Kassir, Barr (Baylie), Jones, Rogers (Stallwood), Ricketts