Category: Sports News

THAME United entertain Finchampstead at the Hithercroft Stadium on Saturday 13th March in a game that will be as crucial in their quest for promotion as their last two excellent wins against Holyport and Henley.

We cannot afford to be complacent said Asst Manager Frank Thompson, it?s so easy to drop points at present with the number of games that are having to be played and if you are not at your best you will slip up. We then follow this up with a Tuesday night return match against Henley Town. It?s a bit disappointing that we have to play Henley on consecutive Tuesday nights but with all the bad weather we?ve had its inevitable that fixtures will fall like this. Now that we have worked our way to the top we want to ensure that we stay there and that only comes from hard work and commitment and the lads are demonstrating this at present. When you are at the top everyone wants to beat you and if you do not stay on top of your game, that will happen in this league.

GREG Boult, Thame United?s centre back who was stretchered off during the game on Saturday against Holyport with a suspected fractured ankle/leg, has been diagnosed with ankle ligament damage.

Early indications are that he should only be out of action for a few weeks and will be available for the final run in of the season in April. Greg brings a level of composure to players around him and reads the game really well so we are really pleased that the damage is not as serious as originally thought Frank Thompson said, we hope to have him back in action with us as soon as possible. Thame?s other two long term injuries, last years Club captain Lee Thompson is on the road to recovery after suffering a double compound fracture against Penn at the end of last season and has missed this entire campaign and this years Club Captain Dave Hocking is still suffering from knee ligament damage and is likely to be out of action for a while yet.

It?s a good job that we have built up a very strong squad and been able to cope with these losses, we do hope to have both Lee and Dave back for next season though, said Thompson.

LEAGUE GAME 06/03/10 – Thame United 1, Holyport 0; MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

UNITED remain top of the league after a close match with fifth placed Holyport at Wallingford on Saturday.

This was a match of two halves, with Thame having the better of the first half but being forced to defend for lengthy periods after the break.

The opening exchanges were fairly even, but in the seventh minute Thame scored what proved to be the only goal of the match. Following good work on the right involving Sam Cowan and Ben Connelly, the ball was played to Aaron Rogers who beat his marker near the by-line and hit quality cross to Stuart Braun who confidently headed pass the visiting keeper.

A few minutes later another cross from the right almost lead to an own goal when it was deflected towards goal by a defender. It was judged however to have been cleared off the line, but spectators who were level with the goal line insisted that the ball had crossed the line. United controlled the remainder of the half with both Connelly and Braun going close. When the half time whistle blew Thame keeper Lee Orkney had not really been tested.

Whatever the visiting manager said to his team at half time worked as they came out fired up after the break and immediately put Thame on the back foot. About ten minutes into the half, Thame midfielder Greg Boult went down in pain after a 50/50 challenge. The game was stopped and Boult was carried from the pitch on a stretcher. Play continued whilst an ambulance arrived and he was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured ankle. The visitors continued to put pressure on the home goal and Thame attacks were mainly limited to break-aways. The visitors had a good chance when striker Jamie Hanscombe met a free kick with a strong header which, fortunately for Thame, flew over the bar.

Thame defended well whilst some Holyport players became increasingly frustrated and lashed out, resulting in three bookings. Thame however, despite the provocation, calmly withstood the onslaught to take three valuable points.

Thame United: Orkney, Newell, Cowan, Boult (J Way), N. Rhodes, El-Kassir, Connelly, A. Rhodes, Braun (Jones), Rogers (Stallwood), Ricketts.

Thame united entertain Finchampstead next Saturday 13th March at Hithercroft Stadium (Wallingford)

PHOTO: Greg Boult who was stretchered off during Saturday’s game against Holyport, with a suspected broken ankle.

THE men’s 1st squash team at Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, had been on a winning streak recently, but failed unfortunately to secure a victory over Wallingford last Tuesday which would have put them in second place behind abingdon(last years winners).

Racquets now have a younger side at the top end of the order, with 21 year-old Tom Phipps and 23 year-old Tom Power at one and two, both County players, and Racquets’ 17 year-old junior, Will John (also a Welsh international )improving with every match.

Experience is added by Racketlon star, Doug Struthers and Tom White (ex england junior), with depth being provided by Captain Simon Martin and Dan Ford.

Simon told Thamenews.net: “We are hoping to win this seasons half which will climax in a playoff v Abingdon in May to decide this year’s winners. Thanks go to our sponsor, Nick Sopers who is delicious ‘Brother Tom’s Pies’ partner with Newitts butchers of Thame. The ladies’ team have been doing well, Captained by Racketlon enthusiast, Lorna See supported by the experience of Anne Terry and Jane Cahill as well as the emerging talent of Mary woods, and tennis star, Fiona Pidgeon.

“Unfortunatly, our Racketball team lost against the National title team 2008, Bishops Stortford last Sunday 28/2/10, who had in their team the England international squash and England racketball singles champion, Daryl Selby.

Racquets’ junior section runs from 4-19 year-olds and they have qualified coaches to supervise in both squash and racketball for anyone who would like to try their hand.

Both rackets and balls are available for use by anyone who would like to try either squash or racketball. Adults and juniors beginners are very welcome to a free trial. See Racquets’ website:
www.racquets-fitness-centre.com

CHINNOR 2 XV 39 Pts Vs Worthing 2 XV 0 points; Away League march – February 27, 2010. MATCH REPORT

CHINNOR seconds enjoyed another well-deserved win when they beat Worthing seconds by 39 points to nil on Saturday. Worthing, being another club sporting a first team in National League 2, presented another honour on our boys with an away win, boasting a clean sheet.

As with all others games in this competitive league, Chinnor expected it to be another physical and tough game. Unusually it was one of the few games that Chinnor did not dominate the scrums. Worthing had a very good pack and with a soft pitch, both teams encountered problems. The teams soon found their rhythm and played very well with Chinnor having the advantage with their forwards changing to running rugby and inter passing between each player – wonderful to watch.

It was a result of this that the first try was scored by Ben Ramsdale and converted by Jack Green. Most of the first half was played between the two 22 metre lines. Chinnor kept Worthing under a lot of pressure forcing them to defend the try line and encouraging them to make mistakes and give penalties away that Chinnor converted into points from the boot of Jack Green. The first half finished 13 points to nil in Chinnor?s favour.

Within five minutes of the start of the second half, a great run by the backs saw Guy Hackshaw score in the corner which seemed to affect the Worthing players and their team spirit seemed to wane. With Chinnor showing great confidence, they continued to impress. Again most of the game was played between the two twenty two metre lines exhibiting some good physical rugby from both sides. Chinnor?s tackling from both the forwards and backs was textbook material.

Rambo Ramsdale got his second try in the game and again Jack Green converted it. It was then the turn of Matt Webster playing scrumhalf this week, to get the next try and once again Jack Green added the extra points.

The final Chinnor try came from the back line with all players being involved and finishing with Ben Hackshaw scoring and Jack Green once again converting. And the game finished 39 points to Nil.

As I wrote in the last match report, to pick a man of the match in this team each week is a difficult task. Matt Webster and Ben Hackshaw have played hooker, flanker scrumhalf, centre and wing this season without complaint. Everyone gives their best every week despite the changes and challenges each week. A big thank you to Greggers coming away with the seconds. It was a huge pleasure having him with us.

All seventeen Chinnor players played outstanding games and were well led by Ian Stock proving to be captain Marvel. Guy Hackshaw is playing his best rugby, young Mark Wilkinson and Jack Green are improving every time they play. Ben Ramsdale, Max Williams help to make it the most powerful and mobile pack in the league. For the reasons already mentioned we are unable to announce the man of the match, so the award goes to the team.
Walter McGuicken

THAME United delivered a professional performance on Saturday against a rejuvenated Chalfont Wasps side, to go two points clear at the top of Div 1 East. The Thame management committee had to work flat out to get the game started.

Jake Collinge, Thame’s Chairman, said, “When I arrived at the ground at 1pm with Frank Thompson, we walked the pitch and were pleasantly surprised as to how good the surface condition was. Ten minutes later, following a torrential downpour, the pitch was covered in water and needed to be forked extensively by Collinge, Secretary Tony Collingwood and Thompson to satisfy the referee.

The efforts proved successful as the game started and no further rainfall during the match ensured a finish to the game. Both sides were a credit considering the difficult conditions and put on an entertaining match with the help of the three officials who were very good. Thompson commented after the game: “Every game for us is now crucial and we are very pleased to come away from that with the three points. Chalfont have made quite a few changes recently and have been on a good run. They are a decent side so the win was a great boost for us and it was nice to go clear at the top of the league.

“Our next two games against Holyport and Henley will have a big impact on standings in the league and we feel that if we can come out of these two without losing then we will have done a good job.”

THAME United 4 Chalfont Wasps 2 – Hellenic League Division 1 East – Saturday, February 27, 2010 – MATCH REPORT

United returned to the top of the league on Saturday with a hard fought victory at home against Chalfont Wasps. Played on a heavy pitch that passed a late inspection, United fielded experienced midfielder, Jon Gardner, returning to the Club from Banbury United for his first game for Thame in five years. Whilst Gardner showed his experience, it was United?s young striker, Aaron Rogers, who stole the show with an outstanding Man of the Match display.

There was little goal mouth action in an even opening quarter of an hour as both teams took time to adapt to the conditions. However, it was United who took the lead in the 21st minute when captain Nik Rhodes met a free kick from Mitchell Meredith with a close range header that dropped over the line. The lead was almost doubled five minutes later when Gardner crashed a 20 yard effort against the base of the post. Despite Chalfont rarely threatening the Thame goal, the equaliser arrived five minutes before half time. Chalfont worked the ball well on the Thame left, where a cross to the far post was met by the head of Tripp who gave Orkney no chance in the Thame goal. The lead was restored three minutes later when, following a good passing move that belied the pitch conditions, Adam Rhodes received the ball 12 yards from goal and placed the ball to the left of the Chalfont keeper who, despite getting a touch, could not stop the ball from finding the back of the net.

With the second half only ten minutes old, Chalfont equalised for a second time. Tom Seddon found himself in space 10 yards from goal and was given time to place the ball low to the left of Orkney, Within a minute United were back in front. Rogers chased the ball to the bye-line, and played a neat inside ball that was met by Ben Connelly who finished confidently from 8 yards. By now, Thame were controlling the midfield and it was no surprise when they extended their lead 15 minutes later. With Chalfont failing to clear their lines, the ball fell to Lawrence El-Kassir on the edge of the box who hit a first time volley that was nestling in the bottom corner of the net before the keeper had time to react. At this stage it was game over with United generally content to take the three points, albeit Rogers continued to pose a threat and a number of half chances were created. In the end, United ran out comfortable winners with the three points putting them back to the top of the league.

United now face an important few weeks, starting with a home game against promotion rivals Holyport next Saturday (3:00pm kick off at AFC Wallingford), before entertaining Henley on 9th March, 7:45pm kick off

Thame United: Orkney, Meredith, Way, N.Rhodes, Cowan, A.Rhodes (Jones), El-Kassir, Connelly, Gardner (Baylie), Braun (Stallwood), Rogers

Photo: Thame captain and goal scorer, Nik Rhodes.

THAME United have continued to increase their squad following the signing of both Jon Gardner and Adam Stallwood.

Jon returns to Thame United after playing for the club when they were in the Southern League five years ago. Jon left to play for Zamaretto Premier side, Banbury United, and has had some very successful seasons there.

Thame United’s Communications Director, Frank Thompson, said: “We are delighted to have Jon as part of the set-up again. He is one of those players who can change a game in an instant with a bit of brilliance, as well as having great pace and the ability to finish well.

“Jon has been top goalscorer at Banbury on a number of occasions and having continued to play at a higher level, he has a great deal of experience to bring to Thame United again.”

Also joining the Thame squad is Adam Stallwood from local rivals, Chinnor. Adam was Chinnor’s top goalscorer last season but has struggled to secure a place this term in the starting line up due to injuries, suspensions and the bad weather.

“He has settled in very quickly with the lads and has trained really well over the last week, said Frank. “We know that Adam is more than capable of scoring goals and with the amount of games left to play he will get an opportunity to prove himself over the coming weeks.”

At the time of this report, Thame were hoping to play Chalfont Wasps at The Hithercroft Stadium, Chalfont being one of only two clubs to inflict defeat on Thame this season.

?We totally underperformed at their place in early December and got what we deserved,” explained Frank. “There are no easy games in this league – if you don’t play well you can get beaten. We hope that the weather does not affect our game again as we really do not want any more games to the backlog we have at present.?

PHOTO: Adam Stallwood

A THAME United player is leaving all of the luxuries of home life behind for the next two weeks, when he visits a small community in Thailand where he helped to build a fence around a school last year.

Stuart Barr has been planning to go back to Thailand ever since returning from his previous experience.

?It is very hard work but very satisfactory when you realise exactly what these children haven?t got and what we automatically take for granted,” said Stuart, whose company, Barr Joinery, are currently Thame united’s first team shirt sponsors.

A team of six from Stuart’s joinery firm in Thame, will be building a Bamboo hut to house the teenage orphan boys of the school in Kanchanaburi, as their’s was washed away in a monsoon at the start of this year. They will also be taking out some football shirts, balls and other equipment to the same village.

Stuart commented: “The temperature will be roughly 38 degrees so it?s certainly not going to be easy but we are looking forward to the challenge again.

“The Home has 140 kids from as young as one week old up to 20 years old. They are all given a great education and looked after extremely well. Unfortunately some of the Children arrive on the doorstep of the Home with all sort?s diseases, viruses and traumas.”

Stuart and his team travelled out to the same village in Thailand last year at the same time to build a fence around the perimeter of the home to prevent the children from being stolen for prostitution and for other security reasons.

Last year, 2009, Stuart raised money doing the Blenheim Triathlon and spent it on football equipment such as proper footballs, bibs, goalie gloves and cones, to take out to Thailand.

Stuart’s is not the only team travelling out to Kanchanaburi. His brother Ross Barr, whose practice Treats, based at Thame therapy Clinic, is also travelling out to treat the children with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Jamie Michelle Pfeifer, who cuts hair at Thame Spa, is going to give the 140 kids a little trim! Sean Wilson, Course Manager at the Oxfordshire Golf Club and Oliver Bromley, who works for PJB Cladding in Long Crendon, will be joining them.

To find out more about the Childrens’ Home in Kanchanaburi, visit www.baanunrak.org

or contact: info@thamefootball.co.uk

AWAY League match – Chinnor 2 XV 19 Pts Vs Richmond Saxons 0 points; Saturday, February 20, 2010. MATCH REPORT (Contributed):

CHINNOR Seconds have added another big London club to their away victories, this time Richmond Saxons, and as a result have moved into second spot in the League.

As with others, Chinnor were expecting another tough game. The team’s back line was made up with five players from 3rds, 4th, Oxon and colts players, so the challenge was expected to be a little tougher.

Predictably Chinnor started the game looking like they were stronger, however it did take up to the fifteenth minute for Ed Rixon to get the first try. The teams soon found their rhythm and played very well with Chinnor having the advantage with their forwards.

This was to be Chinnor?s game plan with such a mix of new players in the back line. However it was the backs that scored the next try three minutes later with a great break by young Jack Green who also converted his own try, and Chinnor was in the lead 12 points to nil. Chinnor kept Saxons under a lot of pressure forcing them to defend the try line.

Chinnor were a little thin on the bench with just one replacement, and Saxons having 12 players on their bench almost offering a full side, which is allowed in this league.

The second half started with a more determined Saxons team taking the game to Chinnor, and the Chinnor forwards once again dominated the scrums as they had in the first half and weathered the storm. Again most of the game was played between the two twenty two metre lines exhibiting some real physical rugby from both sides. Chinnor again added the first points of the second half when Guy Hackshaw instigated a run from his own 22 line. He then passed the ball to Ed Rixon, and the run of 70 metres ended with the forwards driving Jon Lavin over the try line, on the opposite corner. Jack Green converted the try. By this time the Saxon bench and coach commented that Chinnor was playing boring rugby. Boring it might have been, but every time their backs got the ball it never passed their centre – their players kept running back into the pack and into Chinnor?s game plan. This was very naive play from the Saxon players and their coach who continued with the same pattern of play.

The Saxons did have Chinnor under a lot of pressure for the last fifteen minutes of play, but the Chinnor defence proved to be awesome. The game ended 19 points to nil in Chinnor?s favour the second clean sheet in a row. Once again a big thank you to the five players that stepped up to the mark from the lower teams, we really appreciated it.

To pick a man of the match in this team each week is a difficult task, with the team being such a happy and committed team. Everyone gives their best every week despite so many changes week on week. They just get on with the game and it is an honour to be involved with the team.

All 16 of the Chinnor team had good games with Tom Green, Max Williams, Ian Stock and Bill Delley who at over 40 is amazing. By popular demand the man of the match this week goes to Ed Rixon who as always is outstanding week-in and week-out.

Thanks to the lower teams for their sacrifices – we know how disruptive it is to the lower teams. Well done to them as well. Adam Woodliffe must be mentioned here too, he spends week after week filling five teams. This, on most occasions, is a huge challenge and he does it with care and dedication.
Walter McGuicken