Category: Sports News

THE first Thame Para-Swimming Event took place at Thame Leisure Centre recently, and, to say it was ‘a roaring success’ would be an understatement! (more…)

FOLLOWING the news of proposed changes by the ECB (English Cricket Board) to make cricket ‘more attractive’, members of Thame Town Cricket Club have been responding to the news, and generally, are not too happy!

The ECB has announced a new eight-team domestic competition for First Class Counties and MCC, based on the simple format of ‘100 balls’ for each team, starting in 2020.

Spokesperson for TTCC, Andy Jinman, told ThameNews.Net: “I have taken soundings with a few players and supporters about the ‘100 ball” proposal – by no means a scientific study, but the general consensus seems to be that T20 is short enough; why try to shorten it even further? Is thisjust a marketing gimmick, trying to go even further (but probably too far) down the route of “shorter is better”?

“Competitions like the IPL, the Big Bash etc are hugely successful in their respective countries, so the feeling is that the ECB should concentrate on making the new UK T20 competitions work well, rather than being distracted by ‘100 balls’.

“As for the final over of 10 balls, I haven’t found a single bowler that fancies being hit to all parts of the ground for 10 balls, rather than just for 6!”

Andy concluded: “Finally, TTCC hopes to have midweek T20 matches next season for adults, once the new clubhouse is ready, but no plans for this 100-ball format!”

Announcing the changes on April 19, 2018, ECB’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: “This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game. Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.

“Our game has a history of innovation and we have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game. There are 18 First Class Counties, playing red and white ball cricket, at our core and these Counties and competitions will be supported, promoted and benefit from the game’s growth.”

ECB Chief Commercial Officer, Sanjay Patel, MD for the new competition, said: “The development team has had strong support and encouragement in its conversations to date and it’s time to take the concept wider as we build the detail. This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation. Based on fifteen traditional 6-ball overs, the other ten balls will add a fresh tactical dimension. Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from Vitality Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game’s history of successful innovation.

“The players and our valuable broadcast partners under the new TV partnerships from 2020-24 are vital to the success of this competition and they will see the energy, excitement and simplicity of this approach.”

Clare Connor CBE, Director of Women’s Cricket at ECB, said: “Our World Cup win at Lord’s last July showed what’s possible in terms of our sport reaching a new, younger and more diverse audience. Kia Super League has had a huge impact on participation, player development and the profile of our game. It was a big investment and a bold decision by the Board and paved the way for this next stage of growth.

“To build the women’s and men’s competitions and identities together, side by side, is a prospect that few sports ever have and will give us greater reach, scale and prominence. It will attract more women and girls to the game, ensure that cricket reaches and entertains more families and give our players an exciting stage upon which to display their talent.”

IT has now been confirmed that Chinnor RFC will be playing at home in Thame, next Saturday, May 5, against Sedgley Park Tigers in the play off to decide which team will get promoted to National 1 next season. This is a one game winner takes all.

Matt Williams The Director of Rugby of Chinnor commented “We came close last season but very narrowly lost out. This is a tremendous achievement to have only lost three games out of 30. Should we succeed in this final test we will be by far the youngest club to have reached level three and it is testament to the current squad and my team management.

“We are also lucky to have tremendous sponsors, members and supporters who have supported us in our quest. I would urge all to come along on May 5, for what will be a thrilling encounter. We are aiming to give the Town’s people and surrounding area something to be proud of. “

Kick Off 3pm Saturday, May 5, at  Kingsey Rd, Thame OX9 3JL

RAQUETS Fitness Centre was as busy as ever over the Easter Holidays, particularly the squash courts which were being used by 18 Oxfordshire juniors who were taking part in a squash camp with Head County Coach, Chloe Marshall.

The theme of the camp was ‘taking the ball in short’, with focus on playing drop shots from the middle and back of the court.

Across four courts, long short routines and front v back practice was on show, with young players working on ‘cutting the ball’ and adding deception to their game. A game of ‘consequences’ which are conditioned-based skill games, added a competitive edge to the training, with some players being punished with 50+ Courtsprints and jumping jacks depending on where they finished in the competition.

Coach Chloe commented: “skill games are a great way to reinforce what is being practiced in training, and allows players to be more creative with their shots – all the players engaged with the theme really well! Well done to all the children who were involved in the squash events at Racquets this Easter.”

Racquets runs squash camps every school holiday, as well as drop-in sessions which are aimed at beginner juniors who want to try out the game. For information on future events contact the team on squash@racquets-fitness-centre.com

THE next wave of England Rugby’s Inner Warrior campaign has launched today and Chinnor RFC has announced a Warrior Camp for women players, on Friday, April 20, at 7pm.

The Inner Warrior campaign is back after a successful series of Warrior Camps in 2017 and January 2018, which gave a huge boost to grassroots women’s rugby participation. The April wave of Warrior Camps kicks off on April 13, and will run until April 29, with 100 rugby taster sessions taking place at clubs across the country.

The April wave of the campaign coincides with the Rugby Sevens tournament at the Commonwealth Games, where women will take part for the first time ever. Following England Rugby’s announcement earlier this month that there are now 30,000 registered female rugby players playing regularly and the Inner Warrior campaign is encouraging new women to get active outdoors this spring and challenge themselves to take up a new sport.

England Sevens Captain, Abbie Brown, commented: “We’re excited about the opportunity to play at the Commonwealth Games for the first time and will be looking to make the country proud. The Inner Warrior campaign gives women the chance to try rugby, often for the first time, and it’s fantastic to see so many women getting involved – we hope our performances in Australia can inspire more to get outdoors and try our sport.”

Since its initial launch, over 12,500 women have attended Warrior Camps nationwide and of those women, 4,200 had never picked up a rugby ball before. The number of camps available to women has continued to grow to meet demand and the influx of players saw 41 new female contact rugby club teams established in 2017.

Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director, said: “Female participation in rugby has seen unparalleled levels of growth in recent years, and we were delighted to announce on International Women’s Day that there are now 30,000 women and girls playing regularly. Rugby is one of the fastest growing team sports for women in England.”

“As part of the 2017-21 funding agreement with Sport England and our Women and Girls’ Action Plan, the RFU is looking to significantly expand the number of women and girls participating in grassroots rugby across England, and the Warrior Camps are instrumental in supporting this growth.”

The Inner Warrior campaign aims to encourage more women and girls to play contact rugby, teaching participant’s key introductory skills and drills for rugby within a non-committal, social and fun environment.

Click HERE to register for Chinnor RFC Warrior Camp or to find other camps near you.

CHINNOR RFC travelled to fourth placed Taunton knowing that one point would secure a coveted playoff place for promotion to National league One.

The visitors took control of the game from the first whistle with some excellent handling and support play which played dividends. Phil Chesters found himself in space on five minutes and raced away to score under the posts which Jonny Bentley converted. Indeed Jonny Bentley was imperious with the boot converting very Chinnor try of the afternoon.

The sustained pressure continued and paid dividends by the Chinnor’s impressive forwards Jack Ramshaw and Jack Gilding both powering over for tries in quick succession giving Chinnor a 0-21 lead with only 15 minutes on the clock. Taunton then had a short period of possession and Struminski scampered over the line for Taunton’s first score of the afternoon. This invoked an immediate response with Chinnor putting multiple phases of play together from the restart and Orisi Nawaqaliva broke numerous tackles before scoring the vital try that ensured Chinnor’s playoff place. Phil Chesters added a further try on 32 mins giving Chinnor a 5-35 lead. This was reduced by a mixture of individual excellence from Taunton players and the vistors having one eye on the half time break. A costly final five minutes of the half saw Taunton peg Chinnor back to 19-35.

First score of the second half was key to the outcome of the game and on 42 minute with Chinnor again applying pressure on the Titans line Will Bordill charged down a clearance kick and collected the loose ball to extend Chinnor’s lead. This was just reward for Bordill who was instrumental in virtually all Chinnor’s good work winning numerous turnover balls all afternoon. Josh Barton then capped an assured performance at Scrum Half with try No 7.  This was followed by a point of controversy when a speculative kick and chase by Taunton was fly-hacked on to the touchline and bounced in favour of the home side for Claydon to score. After much discussion by the officials the try was allowed to stand.

Chinnor still remained clearly in control of the game and Phil Chesters completed his Hat-trick on 65 minutes. In customary fashion Chinnor eased off in the closing stages with the game comfortably in the bag and allowed Taunton to run in another two tries in the final 5 minutes to leave the final score 43- 56.

Chinnor played some superb rugby and scored a number of scintillating tries With Taunton refusing to lie down it was an excellent afternoon of rugby. The resulting 5 league points from the game means the club are guaranteed their highest ever league position and a place in the National Two playoffs for first time in Chinnor’s history.

An elated Matt Williams (DoR) said “That’s first job done. Now we need another six points to secure a home playoff and then win it!  Let’s get the town out in force to support their club at this exciting but vital moment. Thanks to everyone for their support thus far!”

Man of the Match – Will Bordill- An immense performance!

SOURCE – Contributed

IT is always good to welcome Redruth to Kingsey Road. With good conditions prevailing, all was set for a cracking game of rugby with both sides not disappointing.

Chinnor opened the scoring with Greg Goodfellow kicking a penalty after five minutes. This was quickly followed with centre, Orisi scoring under the posts from a well worked move. The game then became very even with some sloppy handling by Chinnor squandering opportunities allowing Redruth back into the game. It took a 60 metres sprint by Phil Chesters to increase the score after 34 minutes try converted by Goodfellow to give Chinnor a 17 – 0 lead.

Redruth then deservedly got on to the score sheet when fly half, Richard Kevern kicked to the corner for Norman to score. Unconverted, 17 – 5.

Chinnor began the second half with another sprint to the line from Chesters, coming from a break away from Orisi, converted by Goodfellow. Chinnor 24 – 5 Redruth. Chinnor were then caught cold when Olton took a quick tap penalty to score under the posts converted by Kevern. An outstanding break by Kieran Goss led to Tom Price scoring Chinnor’s fourth try after 55 minutes.

Another try from Orisi, converted by Hopkins gave Chinnor a 22 point lead with 10 minutes remaining. Redruth then came storming back to score three tries in the last 10 minutes from Kevern, Fuca and Notman, all converted by Notman to leave the teams one point adrift at the final whistle.

It was an extraordinary last five minutes. Both Redruth line out and mauls were solid throughout the game.

REPORT BY Ken Vaughan