Category: Sports News

Best of possession not enough for Thame Utd

IF possession won games of football, then United would have won this game three times over. It does not, and United were made to pay in the final few moments of the match.

United were the stronger of the two sides in the opening quarter of the match, with a Shannon Jesson drive after only two minutes well saved by the visiting keeper. Milton themselves nearly took the lead on 8 minutes when a through ball saw Matt Tapping in the Thame goal come quickly off his line to smoother the effort before the striker could get his shot away. The first controversial incident of the match arrived on 17 minutes when a cross from Ben Connelly was met by the head of Dan West, his effort coming back off the bar before being forced over the line. The match official, despite being some distance away, gave handball against West although there was no such contact, a point confirmed by the assistant referee.

Still United pressed forward and Dan Jones was next to go close with a 25 yard effort on 25 minutes, before Ben Connelly forced the next save from Griffith in the Milton goal, steering a cross from Luke Ricketts towards goal. Jones then went close, jinking his was through the Milton defence, only for the keeper to save at the near post.

The second half started in a similar vein, with Andy Gledhill – who had replaced the injured Jones at half time – steering a header just over the bar on 51 minutes following a sublime corner from Jesson. West then went close again on 60 minutes, heading wide from a Luke Ricketts cross, before Andy Gledhill saw his effort on 68 minutes miraculously cleared off the line. Dan Pounds then came on for his first team debut, forcing the keeper to make a save inside his first minute on the pitch, before Dan West was unable to make a one-on-one pay, steering his effort straight at Griffiths.

With fifteen minutes to go, Milton started to sense that they could get something out of the game and the winning goal duly arrived on 85 minutes. United were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell to Connor Harris who hit a powerful drive wide of Tapping and in to the roof of the net. United continued to press forward for an equaliser and, in the final minute, West was bundled over in the box for a clear penalty but the match official again saw it differently.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – March 21, 2015 – Thame United 0, Milton United 1

United:
Tapping, Evans, Hall, Hercules, Jones (Gledhill) Kedzierski (Mulholland), Connelly, Morris, Jesson, West, Ricketts (Pounds)

SOURCE: Contributed

23/03/2015
Junior Squash tournement

RACQUETS, Thame, are once again holding one of their very popular,One-Day Junior Graded Singles Squash Tournaments, this weekend. March 28.

The Entry fee is £6 for Gold Members, £8.50 for Silver Members or £11 for Non-members – includes chips with cheese!

The tournement starts at 10am so that all juniors who come to junior Saturday sessions can be included.

Register now by calling the club on 01844 261754, or send an email to sue@racquets-fitness-centre.com

or add your name to the sheet on the Junior noticeboard at the club.

Happy young squash players who took part in Racquets’ Squash Camp, back in February

23/03/2015
Thame prepares for new cricket season

WITH the season starting in April, there is still time to go and practice your cricket with Thame Town Cricket Club. The last two indoor net sessions for adults and young people (year 9 upwards) will take place at Lord Williams’s Lower School (Queen’s Road) on March 22 and 29, at 7 pm.

Outdoor nets for adults are expected to start at Church Meadow on Tuesday, April 21, at 7 pm. Meanwhile, outdoor nets for juniors will start up on Monday, April 20 (see the website for age group details – http://www.thametowncricketclub.org.uk/

Thame’s three senior teams will all play in the Cherwell League this season and new players would be very welcome in both senior and junior sections. If you are interested in some cricket, for you or your child, just contact Sheena Beard (07814-699519 – junior section) or Andy Jinman (07968-201152 -senior section).

This year’s is shaping up to be a very exciting season Thame Town Cricket Club as it moves forward with plans and fund raising for a new pavilion for which they need to raise £600,000.

18/03/2015
Uninspired Chinnor takes the win anyway

IN a lacklustre game throughout, Chinnor did just enough to run out 14-3 winners over Canterbury on Saturday (07/03).

Chinnor had a lot of the possession and territory in the first half, but struggled to convert any of it into points. Chinnor thought they had the first score of the match when Alfie To’oala went over on the ninth minute but was penalised for double movement. From one of their rare first half forays into the Chinnor 22, Canterbury opened the day’s scoring with a penalty goal from fly half Tom Best on 17 minutes. Chinnor eventually got on the scoreboard on 25 minutes when, with Canterbury’s Wake-Smith yellow carded the Chinnor scrum powered to the line with To’oala touching down. Keohane slotted the conversion from the sidelines despite the strong wind which was an unsettling influence throughout the match. Chinnor’s line speed and aggressive defence did much to neutralise Canterbury’s determined efforts throughout the half, with Jack Hayes foremost for Chinnor.

The highpoint of a match in which there were few moments of note came in the 37th minute with Canterbury back to full strength. Taking a pass on his own 10 metre line, Chinnor’s full back, the Teflon coated Jarryd Robinson, skipped and danced through five tacklers centre field to offload a back-of-the-hand pass to the supporting Robbie Martey. Martey, catching the mood, sidestepped his way to dot down under the posts. Keohane added the extras to put the Oxfordshire side 14-3 ahead, five minutes before the interval – a score which remained unchanged until the final whistle.

There was much huff and puff in the second half but the constant stop-start nature of the game nullified the possibility of a score and all were grateful for the final whistle.

Canterbury spent a lot of time zig-zagging across the pitch without much gain – primarily due to Chinnor’s rapid, swarming defence. Chinnor opted for lineouts from every penalty awarded but usually came away second best at the throw. The home side created enough try scoring opportunities but a poor pass or knock on ruined things far too frequently. Jack Hayes had a golden match hunting down anyone who had the temerity to carry the ball anywhere near him and takes the star player plaudit. More precision will reap reward.

Teams
Chinnor: Jaryd Robinson, Robbie Martey, Jack Hayes, Jake Olley, Reuben Haile, Ed Keohane, Frank Jones, Ricardo Cano, Nick Harrison, Guido Cambareri, Darren Oliver, Christian Ostberg, James Tyas, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala

Interchanges : Ian Stock, Andy Tibbatts, Ben Manning, Reece Boughton, George Blewitt

Canterbury: Martyn Beaumont, Aiden Moss, Ricky Mackintosh, Alex Veale, Mason Rosvall, Tom Best, Grant Kay, Jim Green, Cameron Townley, Alex Wake-Smith, Royce Cadman, Chris Hinkins, Sam Rogers, Ryan Ward, Adam Cathcart

Interchanges : Ollie Best, Neil Wakefield, Sam Kenny, Tom Burns, Connor Wallace-Sims

Scorers
Chinnor
Tries (time): To’oala (25), Martey (37)
Conversions (time): Keohane (25, 38)

Canterbury
Penalty Goals (time): Best (17)

Referee: Ian Bibey
Attendance: 253
Half time score: 14-3
Full time score: 14-3

SOURCE: Contributed

10/03/2015
First league draw of the season for Thame

DESPITE a brace from Conor McDonagh, Thame United were unable to secure a win at Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday (07/03) as they secured their first league draw since September.

The game got off to a frenetic opening, with the hosts taking the lead inside the opening minute. A ball in from the right by Joe Hiscock evaded both defenders and attackers, and went in off the far post with Matt Tapping in the Thame goal stranded. The lead, however only lasted for a couple of minutes. Dan West did well to earn a corner and from the resultant cross, McDonagh was on hand at the far post to finish confidently.

With the game still less than 10 minutes old, Wootton Bassett Town then took the lead for a second time. A cross-field ball found Nathan Gamblin in space on the wide left, beat Ben Connelly and hit a powerful effort beyond Tapping from 20 yards. United then pressed forward in search of an equaliser with McDonagh going close following a direct through ball from Tapping, before Dan West hit a 20 yard volley just wide following good link-up play with Luke Ricketts.

McDonagh then saw a deflected effort go wide for a corner, before the equaliser arrived on 28 minutes. West did well to force an error in the Wootton Bassett defence, squaring the ball to McDonagh who rolled the ball in to an unguarded goal from the edge of the box, scoring his seventh goal in three games in the process.

With the game all square at half time, United came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half and McDonagh fired over from 15 yards on 53 minutes. Five minutes later and Dan Jones swung a corner in to the box that Ellis Hercules flicked on at the near post, but West was unable to connect when well placed. Shortly afterwards Luke Ricketts was presented with a chance following good play between McDonagh and West, but his effort from 20 yards went wide. Following the early pressure of the half, the home side gradually got a foot-hold in the game and pressed United with Tapping saving well on a couple of occasions.

United thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go. Dan West was fouled on the edge of the box, and took a quick free kick to McDonagh, who beat his marker and coolly side-footed the ball in to the far corner of the goal. Somewhat inexplicably, however, the referee called the game back for the free kick to be re-taken. That was the last meaningful goal mouth action of the game for United, although there was still time for McDonagh and Wootton Bassett captain, Steve Yeardley, to see red, and for Tapping to pull off a fine save low to his right.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – Wootton Bassett Town 2 Thame United 2

United: Tapping, Connelly, Hall, Hercules, Mulholland, Lynch (Jesson), Jones (Gray), Morris, McDonagh, West, Ricketts.

SOURCE: Contributed

10/03/2015
World ranked squash player joins Racquets as coach

LAST Sunday, March 1, Will John returned from his international travels to the far corners of the globe, playing top class squash, to join the Racquets Fitness Centre squash coaching team.

William John and some of the junior squash players having coaching at the club after school.

In 2010 Will joined the professional tour where his highest world ranking was#209, after travelling to such places as Brazil, Australia, Japan and many other exciting countries to compete at the highest level.

Will started playing squash at Racquets in Thame, at the age of four, and from the age of seven was spending every spare second playing squash taking advantage of the ‘turn up and play’ scheme at Racquets Fitness Centre’s where Junior members can come and use spare courts for free.

Most recently, Will travelled to Sportcity in Manchester to stamp his authority on the British National Championships where he made it to the last 32 players in Britain, where he rubbed shoulders with the top players in the world.

The Manager of Racquets, Simon Martin, said: “We are thrilled to have Will joining us at the club at such a time when we are seeing a major influx in squash players of all ages. Will’s coaching is fun and he is keen to give the juniors of Thame the same opportunities that he has had.”

Will responded: “Whilst travelling the world as a squash professional you have to learn to deal with the pressures of competition and expectation, upsets and frustrations. You must learn how to get the best from yourself every day of a competition.” The fact that Will has been travelling and competing at such a high level enables him to bring to Thame his very recent, high level of knowledge and experience.

Will has already been working with Sue Martin-Downhill, getting more people playing squash and offering the opportunity to take part in coaching sessions that will maximise their potential. Sue said: “What is really special about this latest development at the club is that people can be inspired to strive to be the best they can be. Will is coming in and encouraging everyone to adopt the attitude that you can be a top squash player and that you can improve you game no matter what your level or your age.”

Will, obviously delighted with his new role at Racquets, said: “I’m very happy to have such an incredible opportunity to coach at a prestigious club such as Racquets, even more so since I started my squash here. The club is a second home to me and it excites me already to see some of the young players coming through starting at the same place as me.”

Will will be joining Sue, Roger, Mike and Mary teaching squash to the Year fives and sixes from Barley Hill, John Hampden and St Joseph’s primary schools during their PE lessons, and helping kids and adults alike to realise how much fun squash can be and how it can help with health and fitness and a great,general sense of wellbeing.

SOURCE: Contributed

06/03/2015
Goal fest takes Thame to fourth place

THAME United returned to winning ways at the ASM Stadium on Saturday (28/02) in a game of two halves against Cheltenham Saracens.

Playing against the blustery wind in the first half, United did not take long to get into their stride and opened the scoring after only five minutes. A shot from Conor McDonagh rebounded off the foot of the post to Dan West, who played the ball back to Dan Jones, whose first time cross was met by the head of McDonagh who made no mistake from five yards. United continued to press and the lead was extended on 15 minutes when McDonagh was again on hand to finish well after a goal mouth scramble.

At this stage it was all United, with first Ben Gray and then Adam Morris both hitting the woodwork, before the lead was extended on 19 minutes with West finishing well from a Jones pass. United were hungry for more and Cheal in the Cheltenham goal made three good saves, including an acrobatic effort from a West header, as the home side pressed. Ellis Hercules then had a header cleared off the line before the fourth goal arrived on 44 minutes with West was first to react to round the keeper and score from close range. There was still time for a fifth before the half was over, with John Mulholland heading in off the underside of the bar from a Jones corner.

With a five-nil lead at half time, the United faithful were looking forward to more goals in the second half. These they got, albeit all at the United end. First Conor Patterson finished well from close range to pull a goal back on 57 minutes, before Declan Chick did likewise on 70 minutes. United then went down to ten men when Ollie Lynch was shown a straight red card and the away side scored a third on 77 minutes through Ben Tunnicliffe.

United then nearly added to their tally as Cheal saved well from substitute Shannon Jesson, and Hercules went close in the dying stages.
The win moves United back up to fourth in the table, with a trip to Cirencester to face Wootton Bassett Town next Saturday.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – Thame United 5 Cheltenham Saracens 3

United:
Tapping, Connelly, Hall, Hercules, Mulholland, Lynch, Jones (Evans), Morris (Kedzierski), Gray (Jesson), McDonagh, West

03/03/2015
Thame hockey ladies don’t do early starts!

MATCH REPORT (Contributed) : Newbury & Thatcham Ladies 4th – Thame Ladies’ 3rd – SCORE 3-1
A sluggish start from Thame allowed Newbury & Thatcham to take the advantage, but Thame produced much better play in the second half.

Library image

THAME Ladies 3s played Newbury, away, on Valentine’s Day! It was an early start, as so many of the team mentioned, but the squad of 13 gave it their all.

Despite some sluggish play in the first half, Thame kept the ball in their possession for most of the time, but conceded three unlucky break away goals. Thame’s goalkeeper, Emily, held her ground but unfortunately the goals were scored from excellent shots into the corners of the goal. The defence put up a great fight but Newbury’s players made a number of fast breaks through the middle and occasionally slipped into the gaps with a straight run to goal. At half time the score was 3-0 to Newbury but Thame weren’t prepared to give up easily and came out fighting.

Going into the second half, Thame woke up, stayed strong, improved their passing and returned to the team they were the week before, managing to score a goal with all the forwards pressuring strongly to get the ball into the D, which was then expertly pushed into the corner of the opposition’s goal by Danielle.

With great determination, especially from Hattie at left half and Emily who stopped a number of short corners (nice dives Emily!), the team carried on defending strongly. We made some strong attacks in the second half pressuring the opposition’s goal on a number of occasions but were unfortunately unable to score any further goals. However, it was a great team effort and a great match.

The player of the match was deservedly Kate who managed to produce a fantastic performance despite being injured.

Follow Thame Hockey Club to keep up to date with the latest press releases, media appearances and club news: @ThameHockeyClub on Twitter and Thame Hockey Club on facebook.

About Thame Hockey Club
Thame Hockey Club is a thriving club in Thame, Oxfordshire. The club’s aim is to run a number of competitive, but fun hockey teams in local leagues and to ensure that all members have the opportunity to play at their chosen level of ability.

20/02/2015
Chinnor fades against Clifton

After a strong first half, Chinnor faded in the second and Clifton’s growing dominance saw them win 32-29.

Chinnor got off to an explosive start with a 1st minute try from Fatialofa. Keohane added the extras. Clifton came back with a penalty goal from Foley followed quickly by a try from Woodward after a neat midfield inside pass. Another try from Mackay on the 30th minute, converted by Foley, put the visitors ahead 15-7. Chinnor came straight back from the restart with Haile scoring in the corner. A few minutes later, Chinnor pressure in the Clifton 22 paid dividends with a try from Camereri to put Chinnor 17-15 ahead at half time.

The second half belonged to Clifton for the most part. An early penalty goal from Foley was followed by perhaps the turning point of the match when referee Paul Kimber contoversially awarded a penalty try to Clifton for a single Chinnor scrum offence. Foley’s conversion put Clifton ahead 25-17. In the 61st minute, a long penalty touch finder by Chinnor was converted into a fast rolling maul with To’oala touching down for the try. Keohane’s conversion brought the home side back to within a point, 24-25. Chinnor then dropped the ball at the back of a promising rolling maul on the half way line. From the ensuing ruck, Clifton’s Pomphrey scooped up the ball for an unopposed dash to the posts. Foley again converted to put Clifton 32-24 ahead with 7 minutes to play. Chinnor then pulled a try back, Tyas going over in the corner. The attempted conversion missed and a minute later the whistle sounded for a Clifton victory by 32-29.
Teams
Chinnor: George Blewitt, Ashley Smith, Jack Hayes, Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Ed Keohane, Reece Boughton, Ricardo Cano, Joe Pickett, Guido Cambareri, Ben Manning, Christian Ostberg, James Tyas, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala (c)
Interchanges: David Coutts, Andy Tibbatts, Matthew Bolwell, Frank Jones, Jaryd Robinson

Clifton: Charlie Foley, William Pomphrey, Sam Harrison, Dan Wells, Jordan Kelly, James Mackay, George Thomas, Lovejoy Chatawama, Paul Fincken, Charlie Bullimore, Joe Quinn (c), Andy Cannock, Rob Penhale, Max Woodward, Ali Bone
Interchanges: Tom Harrison, Ben Christie, Louis Wolf, Fergus Manner, Marc Koteczky

Scorers
Chinnor
Tries (time): Fatialofa (1), Haile (32), Camareri (36), To’oala (61), Tyas (77)
Conversions (time): Keohane (2, 62)
Penalty Goals (time):
Drop goals (time):

Clifton
Tries: (time) Woodward (10), Mackay (30), Penalty (56), Pomphrey (72)
Conversions: (time) Foley (31, 56, 73)
Penalty Goals (time): Foley (8, 45)
Drop goals (time):

Referee: Paul Kimber
Attendance: 297
Half time score: 17-15
Full time score: 29-32

SOURCE: Contributed

20/02/2015
Thame squash pro heads home proud from Manchester

PROFESSIONAL squash player, Will John, who is based at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame, has made the last 32 of the British Closed Squash Championships this week.

Will John – Image courtesy of SquashSite

Will was scheduled to play Adrian Waller who is world top 20, and an England international, in the next round on Wednesday but unfortunately lost. The match was however, the first time Will had played on the legendary perspex court at Manchester Sports City Stadium – a boyhood dream of his.

Will is 22 years-old and trains and is coached at Racquets by Simon Martin. Simon said: “We’re very proud of Will’s achievement and look forward to him being back at the club where he will start coaching more as well as continuing to play for Wales and on the pro tour.

“Will has worked hard on becoming more attacking on court working with several shot-playing coaches such as Dave Evans who is the Welsh national coach, and with myself. The quality of squash at the level of the British Closed is so high that players have to be inch perfect with amazing movement and fitness. We’ve been working on developing a greater array of shot making and deception, and working with the Personal Trainers at Racquets, improving Will’s explosive speed. I believe Will has what it takes to win at the high level of these tournaments but just needs results like the ones he has already achieved this week to really start believing in himself.

“Will is very talented and we all enjoy working with him because he is also a nice person – possibly a little too nice on court sometimes. Hopefully some of the British Closed will be shown on TV at some point this week and we hope that Will will be looking back at us there !”

12/02/2015