Category: Sports News

CHINNOR had a positive start to the game against Dorking on Saturday, with their early pressure resulting in a penalty converted by full back, Bertie Hopkin and Dorking attacks being stifled by the excellent tackling of returning fly half, Will Millett.

Chinnor’s pack took control in the first 15 minutes with their scrum consistently driving Dorking back. A long kick by Dorking into Chinnor’s 22m area bounced kindly for their winger Irving, who scored an unconverted try in the corner. Chinnor maintained their dominance and a quickly recycled ball allowed skipper James Tyas to score Chinnor’s opening try converted by Hopkin.

Two injuries to Chinnor’s new lockm Spiveym and No 8 Manning, saw replacements Andy Berry and Joe Vandermolen take to the field, the latter scoring a push over try converted by Hopkin to give Chinnor a comfortable 17 – 5 lead.

Will Millet was given a yellow card for tackling an opponent whilst in the air giving Dorking the opportunity to take advantage of a depleted Chinnor. MacDonald kicked a penalty for Dorking soon followed by their fly half, Pimlow making a break from his 22m area then feeding winger, Irvin who weaved his way through the Chinnor defence to score under the posts. MacDonald converted to bring the half time score to 17 – 15 in favour of Chinnor.

Chinnor started well in the second half with driving mauls coupled with good defence. Dorking’s flanker was given a yellow card for foul play. Junior Fatialofa then made a powerful break deep into Dorking’s half and sustained pressure gave Chinnor a penalty converted by Hopkin to extend their lead to 20 – 15.

Dorking later drew level through a counter attack allowing fly half Pimlow to score an unconverted try in the corner. This gave Dorking the confidence to attack but the tackling of flanker Ryan Long kept them at bay. Dorking persisted and from a 5m scrum they switched the play one way, then the other to put Woodcock over for an unconverted try and give them 25 – 20 point lead.

Chinnor responded well with a surging break by centre Jack Adams, and from the resulting lineout and driving maul, Jamie Townsend drove over to score and return the lead to Chinnor, 27- 25 following Hopkin’s conversion. But just when Chinnor thought they were back to winning ways on a final attack, they were dispossessed of the ball in the Dorking half. A kick and chase of the Butball to the Chinnor try line, saw winger, Irving touch down to complete his hat trick and give Dorking a 30 – 27 victory, denying Chinnor their first victory of the season.

SOURCE – Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

Chinnor RFC’s poor start to the season continued as Bishops Stortford scored six tries in a convincing 36-20 win at Kingsey Road.

Apart from Hopkins’ third minute penalty for Chinnor, after the visitors were penalised for driving up at the scrum, the first half was all one way traffic for Stortford’s dominant pack. A rolling maul from a penalty for a Chinnor player in front of the kick lead to the first Stortford try from Steve Ball, Gallagher converting for a 7-3 lead after seven minutes. The dose was repeated five minutes later from Gill. A long kick downfield was fumbled in goal by the Chinnor defence allowing Stortford’s Hankin to dive over the defender to ground the ball for a 17-3 lead.

Another rolling maul was pulled down by Chinnor resulting in a yellow card for Darlington and a penalty try for the bonus point. The conversion from Gallagher put the visitors ahead 24-3 at half time.

Shortly after the break, Stortford went further ahead with a try from Neville, converted by Gallagher for a 31-3 lead on 47 minutes. Chinnor came back with tries from Burns and Owen, both from driving mauls after penalty line out drives. Stortford increased their lead when replacement Baxter Wilson easily crashed through the home defence for an easy run to the line in the 77th minute and a 36-13 lead. With the last play of the day, Chinnor’s Goodfellow nipped around the blind side of a scrum for a try. Hopkin’s conversion closed the match out for a 36-20 win to Bishops Stortford.

Chinnor
Marcus Beer, Robbie Martey, George Blewitt Jack Adams, Ricky Hopwood, Bertie Hopkin, Frank Jones, Jamie Townsend, Mark Darlington, Andy Berry, Sam Blewitt Tom Burns, James Tyas (c), Ryan Long, Joe Vandermolen

Interchanges: Loma Kivalu, Michael Owen, Ben Manning, Greg Goodfellow, Junior Fatialofa

Bishops Stortford
Nick Hankin, Mike Gallagher, Sam Winter, Johnny Neville, Jimmy Rea, Tom Coleman, Tom Banks, Rory Young, Declan Caulfield, Sean Edwards, Matt Tomlinson, Hamish Irving, Steve Ball, Richard Gill, Mark McCraith

Interchanges: Tom McCrone, Dave Aldam, Baxter Wilson, Arran Mahoney, Pierfrancesco Dotta

Scorers

Chinnor
Tries (time): Burns (52), Owen (60), Goodfellow (80)
Conversions (time): Hopkin (80)
Penalty goals (time): Hopkin (3)
Drop goals (time):

Bishops Stortford
Tries: (time): Ball (6), Gill (12), Hankin (17), Penalty (32), Neville (46), Wilson (77)
Conversions: (time): Gallagher (7, 33, 47)

OXFORD Downs vs Thame – Thame’s 1st XI completed the double on Sunday, 13, by winning the Wilf Bennett T20 final, making 2015 a champagne season to remember. Thame fielded a young side, with the oldest player being 25, against an in-form Oxford Downs in this match at Abingdon.

Oxford Downs won the toss and elected to field and Thame used the power play to score at a rate of 10 an over. However, the spinners bowled well and Thame found themselves struggling for runs at the 14-over stage. Hassam Mushtaq scored 40 and a match-winning innings from 17 year-old Oli Sutcliffe of 42 not out off 25 balls saw Thame to a par score of 150 for 6.

In reply, Oxford Downs started slowly but Watts (40) and Sandbach (51) put them in the driving seat with 4 overs to go and the score on 123 for 2. Some great fielding, however, took the game down to 10 needed off the final over. Chris Jeffcock, who ended up with excellent figures of 3-20 from his 4 overs, only conceded 1 run off the final over to clinch the win. A very promising performance from such a young side, in the club’s final game of the season.

Man-of-the-match was Oli Sutcliffe.

Oxford and Bletchingdon Nondescripts IIIs vs Thame IIIs

Thame IIIs travelled to Bletchington on the Saturday, September 12, with high hopes for the Division 9 cup final. The home side batted first and faced tidy seam bowling, led by captain Peter Tervet, who took 2 wickets. The young Thame spinners then pegged back OBN, Luke McStay taking 3 for 8 off 4 overs and Ben Buckland taking 2 wickets. Supported by keeper Paddy Harris (2 stumpings and a catch) they dismissed the home side for 141. In reply, Thame started well with Liam Earwicker 38 and Paddy Harris 26. A collapse then followed, from 80 for 4 to 116 all out. A disappointing end for Thame IIIs but plenty to build on for next season.

Thame vs Hetairoi

The third game of the weekend was a friendly fixture at home to touring side Hetairoi. The visitors batted well to make 203 before tea, with good spells from James McStay, Ally Illsley, Danny Thompson and veteran Angus Lachlan. The home side responded well after tea, with Dave Saunders holding the innings together with an excellent 70, supported by newcomer Shakeel Khan (30) , but finally they succumbed to good spin bowling and ended on 170 all out, in the failing light.

AFTER Chinnor Rugby Club’s hugely successful Picnic Ball and OktoberFest, the marquee erected for those events will remain up for England’s next match against Wales – this Saturday 8pm Kick off.

Lucy O’Donnell, for Chinnor RFC, said: “Several hundred came to watch England’s opening match which made for a fantastic atmosphere. We welcome everyone to come and enjoy England’s next match (members and non members alike) where there will be plenty to drink alongside some more fantastic food offerings from chef Rob.

“It’s FREE ENTRY for everyone and you can just turn up on the day to enjoy this fantastic environment to watch the Rugby World Cup in. Chinnor RFC members can book a priority table with pre ordered drinks by contacting Gemma on events@chinnor-rfc.com”

THE last few games of the season have now taken place at Thame Bowls Club, with more success for this vibrant Club. Although the Mid-Week team lost at Bassetsbury on a very poor green, the other results went in Thame’s favour.

The Thame Ladies finished their campaign in style, easily beating neighbours Princes Risborough by 74 shots to 37. Top Rink was skipped by Marthie DuPreez with Amanda Tisbury and Maureen Giles contributing to their 19 shot victory. Captain Maire Duncan led the the Ladies through a great season winning 11 of their 12 games scoring 729 shots against 459 in the process.

Last Saturday (12/09) a Mixed team overcame visitors Cheddington by 120 shots to 78 winning on 4 of the 5 Rinks and drawing on the other. Top Rink for Thame was led by Mel Dale, with Marion Keal, Ian Rutherford and Bill Giles lending their support to the 32 shots to 14 victory.

The Sunday Mixed game versus Hazells was yet another success for Thame, this time winning by 22 shots overall. Top Rink for Thame was that of Viv Jones, Mike Smith and skip Ron Slater winning by 27 shots to 14 – a great finish to the season for Sunday Captain Ron Duncan emulating wife Maire, the Ladies Captain.

The season finished in traditional style with the Captain versus Vice Captain Challenge Match. Captain John Timms led his side to a 20 shots victory over Vice Captain Paul Heafey’s team. Played in glorious sunshine and in wonderful spirit, the match was a fitting end to what has been a great season at Thame Bowls Club.

The Captain’s Top Rink was that of Dave Holland, Brad Liddle and skip Maxine Plested whilst Paul Heafey led his trio with Jonathan Dadson and Carol Boyland to the Vice Captain’s top rink winning by 12 shots.

The AGM of Thame Bowls Club will be held on Monday October 19th at 7pm.

THAME Swimming Club’s squad of 73 swimmers once again proudly represented the town over the weekend (Sept 19/20) when they took part in the annual BBAT Open Meet at Aqua Vale, Aylesbury, against neighbouring clubs Aylesbury & District Swimming Club, Didcot Barramundis and Bourne End Swimming Club.

Club spokesperson, Helen Williams, said: “The camaraderie amongst the squad was, as ever, awesome and if there was an award for the best cheering and supportive team, we most definitely would have won it. Didcot Barramundis retained the winners’ trophy, followed by Aylesbury with Thame coming in third, ahead of Bourne End. We were robbed after all the fantastic speeding tickets, medals and brilliant personal bests that were in evidence across the whole weekend.

“The gala was a first for many of our younger swimmers so a huge well done to them all for getting ‘stuck in’ and doing so well – here’s to many more successful galas ahead!”

Helen continued: “Whilst each and every swimmers was amazing there are a couple of notable call-outs:

· Elizabeth Humphreys, Douglas Birchall and Josh Williams for joining the elusive short course sub 30 50 Free Club, a great achievement by them all.

· Josh Williams for taking second place overall in the Top Boys Award –so close Josh!

· Each of the following swimmers for their fabulous PBs in certain events (25 seconds or more):

o Alice Daly: 23 seconds off 200 Free and 49 seconds off 400 Free

o Lauren Gibbs: 33 seconds off 200 IM, 28 seconds off 100 Fly and 48 seconds off 200 Free

o Tally Simms: 50 seconds off 200 Free

o Lucy Block: 30 seconds off 200 Free

o Elizabeth Humphreys: 55 seconds off 400 Free

o Jo Hewett: 45 seconds off 100 Fly

o Josh Williams: 28 seconds off 200 Breast and 26 seconds off 400 Free

o Ben Williams: 78 seconds off 200 Breast

o Douglas Birchall: 26 seconds off 100 Back; 38 seconds off 400 IM and 36 seconds off 200 IM

o Louis Withers: 61 seconds off 400 Free

o Henry Bell: 32 seconds off 100 Breast

· Kaycia Socrates for showing such determination and bravery in the 400 IM when her goggles came off during the the Fly leg – an amazing achievement.

· Well done to both Sophia and Guilia Fisher for both winning medals in their last gala for Thame Swimming Club (for now)!

“The gala ended on a massive explosion of screaming and shouting as the Canon relay took place. The Thame A team narrowly missed out on winning but ‘Wow!’, what a close race! Next year …!”

A mixed week for Thame Bowls Club started in cool conditions on Tuesday afternoon when Thame Ladies once again proved too strong for their visitors. This time it was the Ladies of Long Crendon who met the in-form Thame team. Winning on all three rinks and scoring 62 shots to 35, the Ladies are proving difficult to beat. Top Rink was that of Viv Jones, Captain Maire Duncan and Hazel Westcott who won by 20 clear shots.

On Tuesday evening Thame Men travelled to near neighbours, Princes Risborough, for their annual six Triples match and conditions were even cooler and wetter. However, it was the Thame Men who handled the difficult conditions well and completely outplayed their opposition. The overall score was 119 shots to 66 shots in Thame’s favour. Top Rink was that of Junior Player Thomas Tisbury, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Bill Giles who won by a massive 22 shots. Other winning skips for Thame were George Andrews, Graham Penn and Paul Heafey.

Thursday saw visitors City and County, Oxford beat Thame’s mid-week team by 28 shots after a mix-up over the format of the game resulting in Thame dropping four of their key players to accommodate the reduced numbers.

On Saturday, September 5, Thame travelled to Marlow for their annual six Rinks fixture and the winning formula returned with Thame winning on 3 rinks, losing on 2 and drawing on 1. The overall score was 131 shots to 100 shots in Thame’ s favour thanks to a big win by the rink skipped by Captain for the Day Bill Giles who led his four of Judy Copley, Ian Rutherford and Terry Emberson to a 27 shot victory. Other winning skips were Les Canfield, Mel Dale with Maxine Plested earning a draw on her rink.

On Sunday in glorious sunshine, Thame welcomed old friends and rivals from South Oxford Bowls Club for yet another thoroughly enjoyable game of 6 Mixed Rinks. Although Thame won on 3 Rinks they were narrowly beaten by just 13 shots overall 103 shots to 116. Winning rink once again involved Thame Bowls Club Chairman Bill Giles who together with Maire Duncan, Barbara Waters and skip Casper DuPreez won by 5 shots. Mel Dale and Club Captain John Timms were the other winners for Thame.

THAME Firsts vs Long Marston Firsts – Thame brought to an end their perfect season last Saturday, as they thrashed Long Marston at Church Meadow to finish the season unbeaten; 13 wins, 4 winning draws and 1 abandoned game is the full tally. On the day, Thame won the toss and elected to field. 5 wickets from Hassam Mushtaq who ended the season with 63 wickets (leading wicket-taker in the league) meant Long Marston never really got going, as they were bowled out for 159 in 49 overs. Thame in reply started well and W Sutcliffe (40) and Will Taylor (81) quickly killed the game off, reaching the target for 3 wickets in only 24 overs; a memorable season finished off in style. This achievement by the 1sts is a great testament to the strength of the coaching team at the club – 11 out of the 16 players in the squad have come up from the under-11s – and this augurs well for the next few years. The team will now round off their season with the Wilf Bennet trophy final (T20) at 11.00 am on Sunday 13th, at Abingdon Vale CC.

Cumnor 2nds vs Thame 2nds

Thame IIs, in 4th place in Division 5, travelled to Cumnor (3rd placed)in good spirits, only to be greeted by a wet, sticky-looking wicket and drizzle in the air. The toss was inevitably going to play a big role in the outcome and once Cumnor had won that and asked Thame to bat the outcome was predictable, with the home team bowling well in the conditions and Thame giving away too many wickets. Only O Sutcliffe and B Warwick reached 20 or more and the innings fizzled out at 111. To add insult to the injury of the pitch, the sun then came out after tea and batting became easier. Cumnor batted positively from the start and knocked off the target with few alarms, for the loss of just 2 wickets. As a result, Thame finish mid-table and will be looking to finish in the mix for promotion next season.

Kimble 2nds vs Thame 3rds

Thame IIIs travelled to Kimble as underdogs but determined to continue their recent good form. Kimble were asked to bat first and were soon in trouble at 25 for 4, with Pete Tervet playing a captain’s role (3 for 32). However, Kimble recovered to finish on 172 for 9, thanks to 91 not out from I Price. Thame’s reply was built squarely round an excellent 74 not out from G Holmes, bringing the visitors home for just 4 wickets with 17 balls to spare. Thame will now face Oxford & Bletchington Nondescripts in the Division 9 cup final on Saturday 12th, at their ground in Bletchington.

SOURCE: Contributed