Category: Sports News

Southern League Division 1 West – Tuesday, April 25
THAME United may have found the answer to its dire run of bad luck this season – send on the Chairman! The football team’s Chairman, Jake Collinge, was sponsored to the tune of

A GROUP of Acrobatic Gymnasts, based in Thame, who have just won their first International title, are desparately in need of sponsors and funds to help them move to purpose-built premises in the town.
The Oxford School of Gymnastics won their first International title last week, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the Flanders International Acro Cup, age group competition.
This incredible achievement was accomplished despite currently having to train for 15 hours per week, either in Lord Williams’s school sports hall or its general hall, where equipment, including huge mats, has to be dragged out and put away each night.
The group recently performed for Sir Richard Branson, who has offered his support but if it is to be able to move into proper premises by the summer, will need to fundraise/ get grants/sponsorship for

FOR those of you that have never seen the excitement of Scurry Driving, there are two small ponies in a scurry cart, galloping through cone obstacles against the clock.
Small balls sit on top of the cones and if dislodged, occur penalty points. A groom sits behind the driver and leans right over to keep the weight over the wheel to stop it tipping.
The recent Thame Country Show had a very enthusiastic commentator to get the crowds shouting for their favourite ponies.

The weather was with us throughout the weekend (April 21,22 and 23)and although breezy, the sun was out and the show attracted a lot of people. As this was only the second show of the season, for some competitors, it was their first time out this year. There was a good turnout of drivers, all fighting for some really good prize money and a chance to qualify for the Living Heritage Championships at the end of the year.

Derek Archer had a fantastic first round and won the under 12hh class in style with a great time. Philip Litchfield was on top form as usual and won the over 12hh and the championship, which puts him at the top of the points league so far.
The championship was extremely exciting with some very fast times, slicing at least two or three seconds off the 1st round. Bill Huntley, one of the previous top scurry drivers, made a comeback after a hip operation and five years out of the sport, gaining a couple of very good places.

Anyone interested in taking part in the sport of Scurry Driving in any form can take a look at our website for details and a list of future shows. Alternatively, come and talk to any of us. We are always happy to help. Link

Match Report -Saturday, April 22, 2006
Powergen South West First Division
Spartans 6 – Chinnor 68

THIS top versus bottom clash eventually went the way that the form book would recognise, with Chinnor running out 68-13 winners to finish the season as League champions.
The first twenty minutes saw Chinnor on the back foot in their own half. The first points of the match went to Spartans? Teague, with a penalty goal as a result of a Chinnor indiscretion. Spartans continued to press and a smart drop goal by Teague saw them increase their lead to 6-0. Chinnor, managing to curb their habit of dropping the ball in promising positions, started to score regularly. Their first and second tries went to Jamie Hiscock after slick passing by the Chinnor backs. Tolich added a further, and then Ed Devine, one of several Chinnor players brought in from their equally successful second team, stormed Andy Ripley-style through the Spartans’ defence to lay on another try for Hiscock. At half time it was Spartans 6, Chinnor 26.

Chinnor brought on Ben Hewitt to join his brother James, whose near faultless place kicking contributed much to Chinnor?s score. Hewitt Senior was next to score before the two brothers combined unselflessly to allow Oxley in for Chinnor. A near length of the pitch break out by Tolich was Chinnor?s next try to make the score 45-5. Burns pounced on a Spartans’ mistake for another Chinnor try. Chinnor brought on their forward replacements who immediately caused problems for the Spartans? scrum. Spartans’ stuck in and, pinching the ball as Chinnor pressed their line, fed Daniel Norton, fresh back from England u18 duty. Norton?s pace saw an easy score under the posts, converted by Aaron Fowke, to bring the score to 13 -54. Chinnor scored next with a delightful dummy by Oxley and the day?s final score went to Hiscock ? his fourth of the match.
Final score: Spartans 13 Chinnor 68.

After a sticky start, Chinnor managed to show the difference between top and bottom in this league. With several players brought up from the seconds, Chinnor showed promising squad depth for their new challenges in National Three South next season.

Photo; Chinnor No.12, Darren Oxley Touches down a Try

Chinnor: M Buckley (rep B Hewitt 40) J Hewitt, D Oxley, R Tolich, J Hiscock, R Williams, D Burns, T Whelan, JP Immelman, J Winpenny (rep R Harris 60), C Burrows (c) (rep A Millburn 60), M Hutchings, R Maxwell, E Devine, P Hennessy

NEW technology has widened access to squash courts for all members of the Thame community.
To ‘book and pay’ at Lord Williams’s Squash Club, now there is no need to be either a member of the club or a member of SOLL, as was previously the case.
From April 23, all members of the public can book a squash court direct over the internet by logging on to: www.thamesquash.com, and book a court from the comfort of your home or the office.

The courts were originally built jointly by parents and teachers of Lord Williams’s school in the 1960s, with a view of creating an affordable squash facility for the school and community of Thame and the surrounding area. The courts were extensively refurbished last summer and offer an excellent playing environment. They are owned by the school and managed by a group of volunteers. The club is a non profit-making organisation and all revenues are invested back into the courts to ensure their continued availabiltiy for future generations.

Thame United 0, Marlow 1 – Report by Bob Dixon
THIS was an entertaining game and one in which Thame delivered an impressive second half performance. Seventh placed Marlow needed a win in order to regain a playoff place, whereas Thame, on the other hand, had already been relegated, and therefore another heavy defeat was ?on the cards?.
Marlow attacked from the start and the visitors created some good scoring opportunities. Although Thame goalkeeper Paul Searl was busy, the visitors’ finishing was however, poor and they squandered some good chances.
On 32 minutes, Thame defender, Dave Hocking, was harshly judged to have fouled his opponent and, after consulting his assistant, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Jack Smillie took the spot kick, but it was not well placed and Searl, diving to his right, made a comfortable save. The goal came four minutes before half time when, following a move which looked suspiciously offside, Jermaine Roche met a low cross from the right to finish from close range.

The first 10 minutes after the restart saw Thame defending, but gradually they began to trouble the visitors as they pushed for an equaliser. Darren Moore met a through ball and his strong shot forced the advancing Marlow goalkeeper to make an excellent save. Hocking probably had United?s best chance but sliced his shot.
As Thame pushed men forward, they inevitably left defensive gaps but Marlow seemed incapable of finding the target. With 12 minutes remaining, substitute goalkeeper, Ben Marshall, took over in the Thame goal and Searl swapped his jersey to join the attack.
The last few minutes were hectic and Marlow were pegged into their own half as the determined home side fought for a goal.

Thame United: Searl, Hopkins, Hocking (Marshall), Raja, Eason, Connelly, Fisher (Way), A. Rhodes, Moore, Dawson (Morgan), Groves.

Thame United do not have a game next weekend. They play their last home match of the season on Tuesday 25th, when Rushall Olympic are the visitors. Kick off is at 8.00pm.

DETAILS of Camp SOLL’s May programme can now be viewd on line. Visit the leisure centre you are interested in and download a copy of the programme.
A 10% discount is availabe when booking up for a full week.
www.soll-leisure.co.uk

Camp SOLL is running on the following dates: –
Tuesday 30 May to Friday 2 June.

OFSTED Registered, Camp SOLL haS been providing holiday fun for years. The Hosts try hard to provide something for every taste – from craft and art sessions to go-karting. There’s always something in the programme for everyone.

Thame Leisure centre, Thame 01844 215607
– Lots of fun ?sporty? or ?arty? sessions through out the week. Look out for cycling proficiency and the theatre workshop

Other SOLL centres:
The Park Sports Centre, Holton, near Wheatley 01865 872128
Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield 01865 341035
Faringdon Leisure Centre, Faringdon 01367 241755
Didcot Leisure Centre, 01235 811250
Tilsley Park, Abingdon 01235 524524

Henley Leisure Centre, Henley-on-Thames 01491 577909
Wantage Leisure Centre, Wantage 01235 766201
Willowbrook Leisure Centre, Ladygrove, Didcot 01235 812058

Enrolments made easy with SOLL Swim School:-
SOLL Leisure has launched its successful direct debit scheme at the Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield to make it quicker and easier for parents to enrol their children on swimming courses.

SOLL Leisure manages six SOLL Swim Schools across Oxfordshire and offers a programme of courses throughout the year structured in line with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) National Plan for Teaching Swimming. Those who sign up to a SOLL Swim School Direct Debit will have their child’s place guaranteed, will be able to avoid the queue and enrolment period and can spread the cost of their course payments. With swimming being the most popular leisure activity amongst adults and children in the country, SOLL Leisure is keen to give everyone the opportunity to learn to swim including tuition for adults. The Centres will continue to develop their programming to provide members of all ages and abilities opportunities to participate in sport.

Brackley Town 5, Thame United 0
THAME United conceded five goals at Brackley last Saturday (15th), in a match where Ex-Thame player Wayne Cort scored a hat trick against his old club.
Brackley still had a chance to get an automatic promotion place and were determined to win, and to win well. Nevertheless this was a disappointing performance by Thame who, despite having their fair share of possession, hardly created any scoring chances.
Brackley?s first came on 16 minutes when another ex- Thame player, Andy Williams, met a cross and headed on to Cort who swivelled and fired home from five yards. Ten minutes later Matt Murphy beat his marker and squared the ball to Cort who finished well from 10 yards. With 31 minutes played, Craig Farley hit a strong shot from 30 yards, which hit Gavin Lane and was deflected into the Thame net. Five minutes before half time Arthur Appleton was put through on goal but was axed by Magid Raja, who was lucky to remain on the pitch. Murphy made it four from the penalty spot.

Four minutes into the second half, the unmarked Court completed the scoring with a well-placed shot from the edge of the penalty area.

With the job done, Brackley brought on three substitutes in order to rest first choice players. This weakened their side and as a result, Thame had their best period of the match. Despite working hard however Thame never really threatened the Brackley goal, and it was a relief when the final whistle was blown.

Thame United: Searl, Way (N. Rhodes), Hocking (Bradley), Lane, Raja, Connelly, Fisher, A. Rhodes, Moore, Hamilton, Groves (Morgan)

Thame United 0, Dunstable town 0 – Photo: Paul Searle, who pulled off a remarkable save on Wednesday, during Thame’s match with Dunstable.

This game, on Wednesday (12/04), saw the Thame debut of former Manchester United and England player, Neil Webb, who played in midfield for the first 65 minutes.
Although at 40+ Webb strolled and trotted rather than ran, it was not difficult to see the gulf in class. Whilst many of his younger colleagues tended to ?hoof and hope?, Webb?s passing was more accurate and he created chances.
Dunstable are currently second from bottom of the league and are one of three teams who could join, the already relegated, Thame United next season. A win was therefore important for Dunstable whereas the home team only had their pride to play for.

First half possession was fairly even with both sides coming close. The pivotal moment of the first half occurred on 32 minutes, when the visitors sprung the Thame offside trap and goalkeeper, Paul Searl, was faced with two unmarked forwards on the edge of the penalty area. Ben Smith dribbled past Searl and unleashed a shot. The agile Searl however turned, somehow, held the shot and to everyone?s surprise, stood up holding the ball. It was one of the most remarkable pieces of goalkeeping seen this season.

About 10 minutes after the restart, Thame were unlucky when, following a good move, Adam Rhodes was held and thrown to the ground when in a scoring position inside the area. It looked a certain penalty to everyone except referee, Burt.
Desperate to score, Dunstable brought on the last of their substitutes with over half an hour left to play. The final 20 minutes saw the visitors frantically bombarding the Thame goal. Searl was again busy and made some fine saves. Dunstable however, where unable to penetrate a solid Thame defence and when the final whistle blew, Thame had succeeded in earning their first ?clean sheet? in the league this season.
By Bob Dixon

Thame United: Searl, Way, N. Rhodes, Hocking, Lane, Connelly (Capt.) Fisher, Webb (Groves), Moore, Hamilton, A. Rhodes.

Thame travel to nearby Brackley Town next Saturday 15th (visit www.thameunited.co.uk for directions) On Tuesday evening Marlow visit Buckingham Road Stadium (K.O. 7.45)

LOCAL cycling fans, cheered on Thame cyclist, Karl Freeman, during a long and exciting chase after the leaders, at last Sunday’s Archer Grand Prix race.
Unfortunately, he was caught by the bunch on the way up Whiteleaf and was not among the 52 finishers out of the 100 riders who set off.

The race was one by Polish rider, Mariusz Wiesiak who
rides for the Japanese sponsored but Italian based, Nippo/KFS team. His team mate, Britain’s David Clarke, won the King of the Chilterns prize for being the leading rider on points up the long, 1-in-7 Whiteleaf Hill that did for Freeman.