Category: Sports News

SATURDAY, April 19 – DIVISION 3 – FINAL – Home match
Chinnor 25 pts v Oxford Harlequins 13 pts. MATCH REPORT

JUST twelve months ago, Chinnor came limping out of National League Division 3, South. They arrived back in South West 1 licking their wounds. Although there was talk of going straight back up, the more conservative rationalization was that the Club should avoid at all costs going into free-fall. There is an abundance of examples of cubs doing just this.

Chinnor did not want to become just another on the conveyor belt, destined for the lower echelons. However, with the retention of many of the squad who had experienced National League last year and the addition of star returnees, Zane Winslade and James Cathcart, the acquisition of Owen Gustafason, Andrew Maguire and Trevor Powell, the emergence of many promising young players like Pip Seymour, Bob Baker, Sam Black and Ben Hewitt, combined with the inspirational Matt Hutchings as Captain, they were well equipped to be in a position to challenge.

So, after a positive start to the season, winning four of their first five games on the road, they started believing. Some 16 games later they found themselves playing at home in the last game of the season, against arch rivals Oxford Harlequins, who had beaten them twice in the season, the latter just two weeks ago in the County Cup Final, wanting a win to give them automatic promotion back to National 3. A script writer’s dream, particularly if the end result was a win.

The biggest crowd of the season turned up at Kingsey Road for the game. With the wind blowing strongly in a South Easterly direction, Harlequins won the toss and invited Chinnor to play with the elements in their favour. From the kick-off it was evident that Chinnor had done their homework and decided to mix things up, particularly with their defensive alignment and this, along with the intensity of their play, saw them dominate the early exchanges. The referee made his intentions quite clear when, in the seventh minute, he sin-binned both Zane Winslade and Paul Delange for an off the ball incident. Although Winslade was yellow carded, in his two seasons at Chinnor no one had ever seen him throw a punch before, this in itself was an illustration that Chinnor were not going to be intimidated. Some six minutes later James Cathcart put Chinnor ahead with a well stuck penalty goal. With Harlequins spilling the ball from an attempted threequarter move, the alert Trevor Powell gathered a friendly bounce to run some 20 metres and score at the posts. With Cathcart converting this and, by virtue of Harlequins constantly infringing, kicking four more penalties from varying distances the last from 50 metres out, Chinnor held a 22 point advantage at half-time.

They were not home and dry by a long way as they had to defend into the wind in the second half.
It was felt that the first twenty minutes of the half were important becausee, if Chinnor would not concede any points during this period, then their task would be that much easier. Although Harlequins were well on the offensive during this period, the Chinnor defence held firm. With Frank Jones kicking two penalties in the 60th and 65 minutes, Harlequins were creeping back into the game and when Kenny Sewell took a quick tap penalty in the 71st minute to put Paddy Soper in next to the posts with Jones converting, it became nail biting time for the home support. However, Cathcart calmed the nerves when in the 74th minute he kicked another penalty to leave Harlequins needing to score twice in the last five minutes. This they could not achieve which left Chinnor both worthy winners and champions at the final whistle.

As Matt Hutchings has so rightly mentioned, the team spirit of the side has carried them through at vital times during the season. Yes, there have been some outstanding individual performances from a group of very talented players but it is what they have done collectively that has won the day. Add to this the coaching, the physio’s, the administration, the video work and subsequent analysis, all with just the one focus, then you have a recipe for success.

A couple of observations. Firstly the argument that we should stand still and be satisfied with a mid table spot in South West Div 1, season after season is patently flawed. Maidenhead just missed the play-offs last season and are relegated. Reading mentioned that this Division is within their comfort zone; they are relegated. Secondly, we must always have ambition. Next year we must not be content with finishing just outside the bottom three we should be looking at a mid table spot and then consolidate.

Finally, a little nostalgia. When Chinnor RFC was founded by Frank Angel, Cyril Perry and Marcus Cann some 46 years ago, would they ever, in their wildest dreams have thought that one day Chinnor would be playing London Scottish, Rosslyn Park and Richmond?Frank, after many pints and the odd whisky chaser maybe. Its a great achievement and I am sure that they would be justifiably proud. Well done you three.

By Kenneth Vaughn

THE Super League in Maidenhead recently, saw Phil Keavy of Chinnor Kung Fu & Kick Boxing Club in action.
Fighting in the men’s intermediate, over 75kg, Phil
reached the 1/4 finals after overcoming two low kicks to the groin.
“I was surpised Phil continued,” said Duncan Elliott, the club’s leader. “One low kick is bad enough, but would have finished a lot of fighters, but he showed the lionheart spirit and managed to beat his opponent, finding the winning technique.”
After this skillful display, Phil was unable to keep
the same intensity against a much more experienced
fighter, Phil Monk from Bristol Death Squad, a player Duncan himself fought over 10 years ago!

The Lionhearts team will look to the next event in
May to improve on the positions gained.

ENGLEFIELD GREEN ROVERS 3, THAME UNITED 1 – Tuesday, April 22 – Match report.

THAME United returned from Surrey on Tuesday evening on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline having led 1-0 at half time. With a team depleted by injuries and unavailability and played on a pitch that left a lot to be desired, it was United who took the game to Englefied from the outset.
With the makeshift forward line of Matt Leach and Matt Ansell causing the home defence problems, it looked as if Leach had given United the lead in the 20th minute when he confidently headed in to the corner of the net, only to see the goal ruled out for a marginal off-side. However, United did take the lead 10 minutes later when Leach drilled a corner in from the right that midfield Nik Rhodes headed home to give the keeper no chance.

With United comfortably ahead at half time, Englefield Green made a double substitution and immediately looked more threatening going forward. The equaliser came 8 minutes in to the second half when the ball was eventually forced home following a scramble in the goalmouth. Englefield took the lead five minutes later, after a controversial incident seemed to momentarily put Thame off their game when the Englefield left back appeared to strike a Thame player in front of the referee, only for no action to be taken against the offender. This stirred United back in to action and Leach went close with a drive from the right, followed by another controversial incident when the referee missed a clear handball by an Englefield defender in his own area. However, it was game over 10 minutes from time when the Englefield right winger scored a fine individual goal.

Despite the result, there were a number of positives for manager Mark West to take from the game, including a solid and assured debut for Adam Rowley at right back.

THE Oxfordshire League summer fixtures have got underway, with nine teams from Thame Tennis Club participating this season. The Ladies 3 pair team, in Division 2 continued their good start to the season with a second win, this time away at Abingdon. In an excellent match, played in extremely wet conditions, the team of Jo Kelly, Maria Lawton, Fiona Pidgeon, Tanya Murray, Terry Merry and Jenny McLeod (c) took the match by 6.5 sets to 2.5 sets.

The Ladies 2 pair team in Division 4, captained by Christine Gray, were away to Witney and secured a draw, with both pairs losing to the hosts? first pair, but then both beating their second pair. (Team: Ann Green, Ann Gornall, Susie Thompson.)

The Men?s C, 2 pair in Division 8 began their season in style with a 5 sets to 3 win away at Mapledurham. First pair, John Ansell (c) and James Fletcher, defeated the Mapledurham C second pair 6-4, 6-3, but lost 3-6, 4-6 to their first pair. Meanwhile Bob Fieldsend and Doug Still halved their match against the hosts? first pair 6-4, 1-6 but went on to beat their second pair convincingly 6-0,6-0.

Terry Merry and Maria Lawton were again in action in the National Club League. Their opponents on this occasion were North Oxford. In another excellent session of tennis, both ladies won their single matches ? Terry won 6-0, 6-2 and Maria won 6-2, 6 -4. A doubles match then followed in which they were finally defeated in a third set tie break 10-7.

For more information about Thame Tennis Club go to their website at www.thametennisclub.org.uk

LEAGUE GAME: 19/04/08 – Rayners Lane 3, Thame United 1; Match Report:
THAME United visited Rayners Lane on Saturday having not played a competitive game for three weeks, and it showed. Although Thame had more than their fair share of possession, the home side were faster on the break and looked more dangerous. On the occasions when Thame threatened, they met a home keeper, Richard McCabe, who was in outstanding form.

Rayners Lane went ahead in the fifth minute with their first attack. Thame were awarded a corner and, as usual, their taller defenders went forward into the home penalty area. When the corner was quickly cleared, it fell to home striker Josh Hunt, who ran at the Thame goal from the halfway line. Thame keeper, Mike Higgs came to meet the threat and parried Hunt?s shot but as the Thame defence, recovered Hunt collected the ball and played it to Paul Mitchell who finished clinically from 10yards.

After about 20 minutes, the visitors started to take control and created several good chances with Paul Searle and Pete Way, in particular forcing excellent saves from McCabe. Thame were perhaps unlucky to go in for half time a goal down.

Two minutes into a more even second half, Way headed a goal-bound shot off the Thame goal line. A few minutes later, Thame found the back of the home net but, rather than playing advantage, the referee blew for a foul and awarded the visitors a free kick just outside the area. Thame?s equaliser came in the 63rd minute when Matt Leach met a ball from the left with a strong 10-yard shot that gave McCabe no chance.

The home team regained the lead Three minutes later when, following a defensive slip, Mitchell got his second with a 15-yard shot which went in off the underside of the Thame crossbar. Thame piled on the pressure and substitute Luke Ricketts forced another outstanding save from McCabe. The visitors forced three successive corners and, following the third, Lane mounted an attack but this time it was Thame keeper, Mike Higgs, who made an excellent save.

It was effectively ?game over? for Thame when, with six minutes remaining, home substitute Charlie Antwi met a cross with a glorious 15-yard header that gave Higgs no chance.

Thame United: Higgs, L. Thompson, Watkins (Ricketts), Ansell, Hocking (F. Thompson), Cowan, Connelly, Rhodes, Leach, Searle (West), Way

Thame United play their final game of the season at Wallingford next Saturday 26th when Henley Town are the visitors. Please note that kick off has been brought forward to 2.00pm.

A pupil at Lord Williams’s school in Thame will sail for Great Britain in the World Championship in Denmark in August, following their overall win in the recent RYA Youth Championships.
Claire Lasko, from Thame, and her sailig partner, Frances Peters, became 29er RYA national youth ladies champions in the event at Pwllheli.

The pair finished 14 points clear of their nearest rivals.

Chinnor RFC Seconds – Match Report – April 12 – Chinnor seconds v Esher thirds; Away League game.
SCORE: Chinnor 2nd, 26 Pts vs. Esher 3rd 5 Pts
Tries: Thad Cooper and Bob Baker
Conversions: Thad Cooper X2
Penalties: Thad Cooper x 6

THAD THE SORCERER
It took just nine minutes for Thad Cooper and the Chinnor Apprentices to start weaving their magic at Esher last week. Visiting the National League One club to face their development XV was going to be a well-matched game on paper, So it proved.

Chinnor seconds were fielding another eight youngsters from the recently extinguished Academy. Once again they all performed with good skill and excellent attitude in difficult conditions and against testing opposition. After Cooper?s initial try which he converted, Chinnor defended well against spirited ESHER pressure, deservedly rewarded with a try in the 34th minute. Cooper converted a penalty just before half time to take the score to 5 ? 10 to Chinnor at the break.

After 40 minutes of strict but fair refereeing by the first lady referee many of the players had experienced, it was became obvious that the laws of the game were going to be well administered.
The second half would call for controlled discipline.

Esher failed to take this on board and were penalised not only by the referee but if in kicking distance Cooper would add three points. The back line of Williams, Woodhouse (making his 2?s debut) Riley, Cooper and front row heir apparent Picket on the wing always looking capable, kept the EHSER defence tested. It was 18-year-old Prop Bob Baker coming from the bench to the unaccustomed loose head position to touch down after 75 minutes. Cooper with 6 out of 6 converted.

Another promising performance from the youngsters was pulled together by the experience of Andy Millburn and captain Fenwick. Tim Sutton back at scrum half and Luke Wellbelove back after 2 weeks. Chinnor proved too strong for Esher in the end to win 26 points to 5. Man of the match with an excellent game at the back of the scrum was Phil Scot Priestley.

NEXT WEEK CHINNOR Two?s ARE AT CANTERBURY
By Steve Halson

INTERNATIONAL swimming record holder, Simon Burnett, from Tetsworth, has been selected to swim for Britain in Beijing, in the 4x100m freestyle relay team along with Adam Brown.
Simon lived in Chinnor as a child, later moving to Tetsworth, from where he attended Lord Williams’s school.
He failed to qualify for any of the individual swimming events and is awaiting the results of blood tests in an attempt to find out if there is any underlying reason while he was under par.

Photo: Courtesy and Copyright of Sky Sports

SATURDAY, April 12, away to St Ives – awaiting match report – SCORE: St Ives 10, Chinnor 29.
Man of the match was Ed Rixon (pictured)

Chinnor 2nd, 43 Pts vs. Hertford 2nd, 5 Pts – 5th April – Home League game: MATCH REPORT
Tries: Sam Ludgate, Andy Millburn, Jordan Wood, Leon Westerman and Thadeus Cooper x 2
Conversions: Thadeus Cooper x 4

CHINNOR seconds beat Hertford seconds by 43 points to 5 in this, a Canterbury Shield league game against a very good team. Chinnor made great use of home advantage from the start and although the conditions were not good, Chinnor played good rugby. The Chinnor team consisted of at least five under 18s and five under 21 players out of a team of 16, which bodes well for the future of the team.

It took until the 20th minute for Chinnor to put the first points on the sheet with a fantastic try by Jordan Wood converted by Thad Cooper. Five minutes later Thad added to the score line with a well taken try. On 30 minutes, Guy Hackshaw scored and Cooper converted and Chinnor were in the lead by
19 points to nil.
This was followed by great try by young, Andy Millburn and the first half finished 24 ?0. It was apparent that although Hertford played well, they had no answer to Chinnor.

The second half started with Hertford pressing the home team, but the Chinnor defence held up and in the 10th minute of the second half, the forwards and backs worked well together for Cooper to finish of with a converted try. Hertford then put their first points on the board but were unsuccessful with the conversion.
Then it was the turn of young Sam Ludgate, once again converted by Cooper, and then 10 minutes later a try by Leon Westerman.
The game finished 43 points to 5.
A big thank you to all the youngsters.