Category: Sports News

THE legacy of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics has once again been carried forward by Thame Rotary’s third edition of the Thame Swimathon at the town’s leisure centre on Sunday, October 12.

Over 80 people of different ages swam in teams of six or so for one hour. Groups from Booker Tate, Barley Hill School, Thame Childrens’ Choir, Thame SAFARI, Citizens Advice Bureau, Racquets, Thame Swimming Club, Thame Town Council, and others were represented by enthusiastic swimmers. After the excitement of the swims, all of them were honoured by Nichola Dixon, Deputy Mayor of Thame who, together with Linda Emery, President of the Thame Rotary Club, awarded the teams with medals.

Marius Ciortan, spokesman for the Thame Rotary Club said: “All the teams had a fabulous time and have helped to pledge so far, almost £1,700 for local charities for which the Rotary Club of Thame is very grateful. However, the money continues to come in as the on-line fundraising did not stop and some teams are still busy fundraising.”

“The Thame Swimathon has now become a traditional local community event, so look out for the details of the next one in 2015.” Marius added: “Our thanks go to our sponsors, Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic, Abbotts Office Solutions, Vale Life Magazine, Booker Tate, Haddenham Beer Festival, Silent View Windows, and Ignite Sport, as well as club members, friends and relatives. But special thanks must go to the teams of swimmers from Thame and the neighbouring villages without which this event could not have happened.”

For more information about the Rotary Club of Thame, visit: www.thame.rotaryweb.org or get in touch via facebook.com/thamerotary. Alternatively you can call the club on 07764 85 49 49.

CHINNOR RFC had a strong first half for the first time this season on Saturday (11/10) which helped significantly towards their 42-21 victory over Southend Saxons.

Reuben Haile opened Chinnor’s account with the first of his four tries in the 7th minute. Keohane increased the Chinnor lead to 8-0 with a penalty goal on 13 minutes. After several strong scrums, referee James Clarke lost patience with Chinnor and awarded a penalty try to the visitors from Essex. Ashton’s conversion closed the score to 8-7.

Another penalty goal to Chinnor’s Keohane was followed by two tries from Chinnor in quick succession through Jones and Haile – both benefitting from midfield play making of the highest order from Junior Fatialofa. Keohane’s conversion put the home side 23-7 ahead. With Chinnor’s Manning and Long leading the forward charge, Chinnor were well in command. Their superior back play further demonstrated their sense of urgency with the hat trick try from Haile. The conversion put Chinnor ahead 30-7 at the break.

Southend started the second half well when their scrum continued to pose problems to the home side and eventually their dominance led to a try through number 8 Hudson, converted by Ashton. Southend continued to press in the Chinnor 22 but were rebuffed by a determined home defence. Haile, on the end of a scything backs move, put Chinnor 35-14, Keohane adding the extras. Southend continued to press and their efforts were rewarded  by a try from winger Billings, darting through the cover from 30 metres out. The conversion put the visitors 37-21 behind. In the dying seconds, a determined Jack Hayes bashed his way through several tackles for Chinnor’s final try, to close the match at 42-21 to the Oxfordshire boys.

Southend were well served by their scrum who posed Chinnor problems throughout the match and looked dangerous every time they had set piece possession in the Chinnor 22. A lot of stout defending by the home pack managed to neutralise the Southend scrum superiority. Former Chinnor player, David Jackson was the pick of Southend pack.

Chinnor will be pleased to have made a much earlier start in the game than in previous matches. The side is starting to look more cohesive and the backline looks more settled. Most of the good work in the backline, especially leading up to the tries, was due to the superior running, sidestepping and passing skills of Junior Fatialofa. Martey made a surprisingly high number of tackles. Reuben Haile’s four tries are testament to his natural scoring ability when given good ball in the right areas. In the forwards, Manning and Long were both tough and industrious throughout. However, for his all-round contribution in attack and defence, scrum-half Frank Jones wins the accolade of star player, just shading it from a number of very good candidates.

Teams
Chinnor: Martin Nutt, Robbie Martey, Jack Hayes, Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Ed Keohane, Frank Jones, Ricardo Cano, Jamie Townsend, Guido Cambareri, Ben Manning, Josh Kroman, Andy Tibbatts, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala
Interchanges: Joe Winpenny, Dave McKee, Nick Harrison, James Cathcart, Matt Mountford
Southend : Tom Ashton, Mark Billings, Sam Nash, Chris Vaughan, Danny Cleare, Ian Meads, Rhys Powell, Jason Fardell, Marcus Bloomberg, Aston Bevans-Royston, Kris Chesney (c), Harry Hudson, David Jackson, Adam Ferrier, James Kellard
Interchanges: Craig Strachan, Dylan Day-White, Chris Shields, Lester Pollard, Billy Driver

Scorers
Chinnor
Tries (time): Haile (7, 32, 35, 56) Jones (28) Hayes (76)
Conversions (time): Keohane (33, 35, 57)
Penalty Goals (time): Keohane (13, 25)

Southend
Tries: (time): Penalty (19), Hudson (54), Billings (66)
Conversions: (time): Ashton (20, 55, 67)

SOURCE: Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

UNITED  continued their recent good form on Saturday (11/09) as they brought to an end the visitors’ five-match winning streak in the league.

And it could not have started any better for United as they took the lead in the first minute. Captain Adam Morris fed the ball out to Ben Connelly whose first time cross was met by the head of Dan West six yards from goal, giving Hyslop in the Kidlington goal no chance. Two minutes later and West and Marcus Mealing combined well before the latter earned a free kick on the edge of the box that Dan Jones fired just wide.

Kidlington, who prior to the game were third in the league, nevertheless looked dangerous going forward and the equaliser arrived in the 15th minute. The Referee awarded Kidlington a somewhat dubious corner that was taken short and delivered to the far post where an unmarked Ryan Curtin was able to control the ball and fire beyond Cockerill. United then enjoyed possibly their best period of the game with Mealing heading over in the 22nd minute before, four minutes later, feeding the ball through to the returning Luke Ricketts who hit a powerful shot in to the roof of the net to restore the lead. Mealing then nearly got on to the score sheet with an acrobatic effort just wide, before, in the 29th minute, West poked a cross from Ricketts just wide of the near post. United were unable to capitalise at this point and Kidlington almost found an equaliser on half time when Curtin, through on goal, found Cockerill in fine form.

The second half lacked the intensity of the first, with Kidlington enjoying the majority of the possession and United content to sit back and hit their opponents on the break. However, despite the possession, Kidlington rarely threatened the home goal and, when they did, Cockerill was commanding in maintaining the lead.

This Thame United 2 Kidlington 1, win sees United move up to seventh in the league.

United: Cockerill, Evans, Jones, Hall, Hercules (Mulholland), Lynch, Connelly (Gledhill), Morris, Mealing, West, Ricketts

SOURCE: Contributed by Jake Collinge

(1) Tornadoes v Phoenix 1st October 2014 ADNL Div 3 – IT was a tense start to the game with both teams gunning for a win. It was neck and neck for the first four goals but Thame swiftly took the lead thanks to some superb long range shots from Heather and Hayley leaving it 9 – 2 after the first quarter.

It was a scrappy affair in the second quarter with both teams making mistakes allowing phoenix to slowly claw back some goals. Phoenix defence was strong, frustrating Thame’s attacking play and making passing practically impossible ending the quarter in a low score of 13-8.

In the third quarter Phoenix continued to press hard but soon got tired and with some outstanding interceptions from Susie Thame were able to increase the lead to 22 – 10.

By the fourth quarter the perspiration levels were at their peak notably at the knees, arms and top lip. Despite this we maintained a strong lead with sound defending from Sheena and Kirsty keeping the score line low. Our third match of the season ended with a a winning score line of 29 – 16.

(2) Thame Hurricanes v Wingrave Comets –  1st October

A much depleted Hurricanes team faced a solid Wingrave side, which historically, has been an extremely close fought battle. The first quarter started cautiously but Thame managed to snatch the opening goal. Amy Scullard (playing up from Cyclones) was a strong influence on the centre court, finding plenty of space and enabling smooth movement up the court. Lucy and Carol passed swiftly to Helen in the shooting circle and Thame edged ahead. Although Wingrave were not far behind and Thame found themselves behind at the first quarter whistle.

The second quarter was a much stronger one for Thame with a switch in positions for Lyn and Sue and some fabulous defensive work by Lynn P and Sue in the centre third. There were also some marvellous long pass interceptions by Lyn in the circle. Thame were down by two goals at the half time whistle..

The second half of the game saw a steady rise in the goals for Hurricanes and slowly but surely they crept further ahead of a frustrated Wingrave. Hurricanes defence from the Centre pass was working well and Thame achieved some much deserved turnovers. Helen played some crafty over the post passes to Carol and their shooting was awesome. A few stray passes crept into the tiring Thame side but they held their own and finished a healthy 34-27.

It was a much more determined performance this week with calm, positive play. A very welcome first win of the season.
Team: Helen T, Carol S, Lucy S, Amy S, Lynn P, Lyn H, Sue F, Ellie D.

SOURCE: Contributed

RACQUETS Fitness Centre in Thame, has a habit of producing young, quality squash players and coaches and one of their younger proteges, Nick Harbour, the new, Under 15s Oxfordshire Junior Closed squash champion, is helping pass on his experience and skills to younger players.  

Nick,  who won the event on  September 27/28,  at Abingdon Squash Club winning above 14 other boys from our county,  helps Coaches, Roger Ridler and Sue Martin-Downhill on Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays to teach the younger children of Thame and surrounding villages. Sue said: “Nick’s passion for the game is evident every time he is seen on court,  especially when practicing on his own.

“With the help of Nick we have plenty of new keen players who are learning the craft of squash ready to join the tournament trail in the hope of one day following in the Englishman Nick Matthews footsteps of becoming World Champion. Ollie Coulcher-Porter is just one of these who made great progress in the County Championships Under 11s this year.”

Nick, along with Ben Hedger who won the Under 17s age group, plays for the adult men’s teams at Racquets Fitness Centre, playing in the Oxfordshire Inter-club leagues and plays  for the Oxfordshire county in the Inter-county junior championships.

Simon Martin, one of Nick’s coaches, added: “‘Nick is a very natural squash player who stays very calm when playing competitively but is a determined competitor. It is fantastic that he is happy to help the other children learn the game and that he is giving back to the sport so early in his career.”

Racquets has plenty of opportunities for adults and children alike to begin playing the game,  including half term squash camps during the October half term.

IN a game that lacked significant goal mouth action and where, for the majority of the match, both teams cancelled each other out, Binfield claimed all three points to maintain their good form on Tuesday (30/09).

Despite the score line of Thame United 1 Binfield 3 , it was United who made the better start with Marcus Mealing causing the home defence problems and, on a couple of occasions he was unable to get his shot away whilst, on others, he was seemingly fouled but for which no offence was given.

The turning point of the match came on 20 minutes when a cross from the Binfield right was headed goal-wards but hit the arm of Ellis Hercules who, at the time, was little more than a yard from the Binfield player. To the surprise of the majority of the crowd, but perhaps consistent with a poor first half for the match referee, a penalty was awarded that Callum Whitty placed wide of Cockerill.

The remainder of the first half was contained mainly in the central third of the field, but five minutes in to the second half, Binfield extended their lead. United lost the ball in midfield, with Seb Bowerman finding Aaron Rowland on the edge of the box whose neat turn was followed by a fine curling finish beyond Cockerill. United looked to get back in to the games and a Dan Jones free kick was saved on 60 minutes before, in the 68th minute, a Dan West header from a Jones cross was well saved.

Binfield scored their third on 77 minutes when the ball was again lost in midfield and played through to Adam Dickens who beat Cockerill. Despite the score line, United continued to press and substitute, Jon Coverley, went close with a header in the 80th minute. Eventually the persistence paid off and, in the 88th minute, a Mealing header from a Jones corner was adjudged to have crossed the line. In the end though, it was too little too late and Binfield left with the three points.

United: Cockerill, Evans, Jones, Hercules, Hall, Lynch, Gledhill (Connelly), Morris, Mealing, West, Hazell (Coverley).

UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

CHINNOR RFC came off second best to Worthing Raiders on Saturday (27/09), going down 21-26.

Most of the first half belonged to Worthing and their busy, all action game. The first try went to Worthing’s Redmayne, bursting free from a rolling maul from 20 metres out. McLean’s conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead on 17 minutes. Lively scrum half, Waters, added Worthing’s next, running in unopposed around the end of a line out, again from 20 metres out. McLean converted to put Worthing 14-0 ahead. Just on the stroke of half time Haile, for Chinnor, scored the first of his hat trick. Boughton’s conversion put the half time score at 14-7 to the visitors from Sussex.

Chinnor began the second half well with a delightful try from Haile on 42 minutes. Receiving the ball just in front of his own 22, he charged down the field, chipped the oncoming defence and collected the ball on first bounce to sprint unopposed to the posts. He repeated the dose 10 minutes later in less spectacular style, skinning the outside cover. Boughton’s two conversions put the match at 21-14 to Chinnor on 55 minutes. A few minutes later Piper, for Worthing, escaped down the tramlines at great pace for a well deserved try. McLean’s conversion tied the match at 21-21 with 60 minutes played. Chinnor upped the pressure but Worthing’s Holland, from a line out catch and drive, put Worthing ahead 26-21.

Chinnor then spent the last 10 minutes camped in the Worthing 22 looking for a score. Despite a multitude of penalties awarded, they couldn’t find a way through. With four consecutive penalties at a scrum, five metres out in the last two minutes, including a Worthing yellow card, everyone waited for the inevitable penalty try, except the ref and the match finished at 26-21 to Worthing.

Teams

Chinnor: Ed Keohane, Jack Hayes, Martin Nutt (c), Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Frank Jones, Reece Boughton, Joe Winpenny, Jamie Townsend, Joe Pickett, Josh Kroman, Dave McKee, Ben Manning, Nick Harrison, Jake Parker.

Interchanges: John Lavin, Ian Stock, Alex Waddingham, Andrew Tibbatts, Robbie Martey

Worthing: Harry Forrest , Finlay Coxon-Smith, Kieran Leeming, Ben Dudley, Alex Nielsen, Jack Metters, Calum Waters, Ryan Storer, Charlie Piper, Dan Sargent, Stan South, Jamie Redmayne, Rob Smith (c), Jon Whittall, Liam Perkins.

Interchanges: Sam Hewick, Louis Bartlett, Chris Sewell. Joe Heaver, Craig Holland

Scorers:

Chinnor

Tries (time): Haile (39, 42, 54)

Conversions (time): Boughton (39, 43, 55)

Penalty Goals (time):

Drop goals (time):

Worthing

Tries (time): Redmayne (16), Waters (29), Piper (58), Holland (69)

Conversions: (time) : McLean (17, 30, 59)

Penalty Goals (time):

Drop goals (time):

Referee: Graham Dickens

Attendance: 169

Half time score: 7-14

Full time score: 21-26

Star man: Reuben Haile

THREE goals from Dan West and a Marcus Mealing strike were enough for United to edge a seven goal thriller at the ASM Stadium.

The early exchanges saw United open the stronger of the two sides and they were unlucky not to take the lead on five minutes when a Dan Jones corner was headed goal-wards by West only for the ball to be cleared off the line. Two minutes later and Luke Ricketts collected the ball in his own half before going on a powerful run that saw him through on goal, with the keeper saving the initial effort before the ricochet fell to Ricketts again whose shot this time hit the post before being cleared. West then saw an effort from 20 yards go just wide, whilst a Mealing header cleared the bar.

The opening goal eventually arrived on 26 minutes when Dan West forced an error as Shrivenham tried to play the ball out of defence, with Adam Morris calmly sliding the ball through to Mealing who slotted home from 20 yards. However, within five minutes Shrivenham had taken the lead. Firstly, Liam Edmondson found himself in space to fire home, before Steve Robertson scored from close range at the back post following a corner.

At this point United were struggling to re-capture their initial dominance and looked to be heading in to half time with a deficit until, following a corner in the 45th minute, Luke Ricketts floated the ball in to the box for Dan West to get the slightest of touches to steer the ball home.

West then scored his second on 49 minutes chasing a long through ball and running in to the area to calmly finish wide of Moody in the Shrivenham goal. Five minutes later and West had completed his hat-trick, receiving a ball cut back from the bye-line by Luke Ricketts and finishing first time in to the far corner. Ricketts then almost added to the score line, only for the keeper to save his goal bound effort.

Shrivenham then pulled a goal back on 66 minutes when a ball in to the box saw keeper Cockerill come off his line and the ball fell kindly to Josh Fowler who drove home from 20 yards. Any nerves were almost dispelled on 73 minutes when, following good work from Mealing down the Thame right, the ball was pulled back to Ricketts whose effort went over the bar.

The remaining 15 minutes of the game saw Shrivenham dominate possession, but rarely threaten Cockerill in the Thame goal, as United held our for three points and a win that moves them up to seventh.

UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – Thame United 4 Shrivenham 3

United: Cockerill, Evans, Jones, Hercules, Hall, Lynch, Hazell (Gledhill), Morris, Mealing, West, Ricketts.

YOUNG Ollie Coulcher-Porter stamped his intentions on the squash world last weekend (20/21/09)by winning the E grade in the Racquets Open Graded Squash Tournament.

Ollie is just 8 years old but he is already aiming big. The E grade was contested by eight lads from 8 to 15 years-old.

“Some of the games were very closely fought,” said Sue Martin Downhill,  squash coach at Raquets, “and Ollie showed a strength of mind to come through as the winner. He started playing squash regularly earlier this year and practices every chance he gets.

“We are all very proud of the way he handled the pressure of the tournament and look forward to him competing in the Oxfordshire Junior Closed this coming weekend at Abingdon Squash Club.  As this weekend will be Ollie’s first tournament away from home there are no expectations of winning the tournament but we will be interested to see how he fares against the other under 11s.”

Later the same day the World number #57, Rex Hedrick, played and won against the World number #27, Adrian Waller. A bit of an upset there which the club members all enjoyed watching!

If you’re interested in starting to play squash,  you can give Simon Martin or Sue a call at Racquets Fitness Centre on 01844 261754.

“We are particularly keen to encourage ladies and juniors who have never played before,” added Sue, ” as we have new groups who have started learning this year and they are very keen to have more players.”

IN a tightly contested match, Dorking overcame Chinnor on Saturday (20/09) by the narrowest of margins winning 23-22.

Chinnor’s first points came in the first minute from Boughton’s penalty goal. Shortly after, Noble opened Dorking’s account with a simple try under the posts, which Macdonald converted for a 7-3 lead. A number of scoring opportunities were spurned by both sides with dropped passes at critical times, until Pimlow’s penalty goal put Dorking further ahead 10-3 on 31 minutes.

Chinnor’s Reuben Haile opened the second half scoring with a try on 44 minutes, converted by Boughton to tie the match at 10-10. Dorking’s lively scrum half Will Crow scored Dorking’s second try on 52 minutes. Macdonald’s conversion put the visitors 17-10 ahead. Chinnor came back in the 55th minute with a try from Keohane and a conversion from Boughton to square the match at 17-17.

Two penalty goals from Matt Noble in the 64th and 72nd minute put Dorking ahead 23-17. With full time approaching, Chinnor’s Martey went over in the corner to put Chinnor one point behind. Boughton’s kick sailed wide and shortly after, the final whistle went for a hard earned Dorking victory.

Dorking proved that their opening results in a new division were no fluke and they proved to be competitive at all phases of play. Their ability to score from most of the kicks on offer saw them home despite being outscored three tries to two. Dorking’s scrum-half Will Crow was usually at the centre of things.

Chinnor again showed their new match plan concept of not bothering to play very much at all in the first half. The tactic of getting their backs to play in a completely different position from any other match or from their natural position clearly backfired as passes went awry and the pace needed to finish promising moves was all in the wrong place. Keohane debuting in the full-back role for the first time this term was perhaps the one exception and looked comfortable and threatening from the back. Waddingham again showed what was necessary. Too many penalties were given away offering too many chances to the visitors.

This match was frustrating as Chinnor showed, in fleeting glimpses, how quick and innovative they can be – but not enough and too late, again.

Chinnor: Ed Keohane, Jack Hayes, Martin Nutt (c), Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Frank Jones, Reece Boughton, Ian Stock, Joe Pickett, Simone Carloni, Andrew Tibbatts, Dave McKee, Ryan Long, Alex Waddingham, Jake Parker

Interchanges: Joe Winpenny, Jamie Townsend, Ben Manning, Sam Angell, Robbie Martey

Dorking : Matt Noble, Gary Johnston, Ryan Jeffery, Fraser Macdonald, Joseph Mogaji, Cameron Pimlow, Will Crow, Ben Knight, Ross Grimstone, Seun Olayanju, Harry Watts, Armand Roux (c), Jon Vermont, Ollie Edwards, Ted Lee

Interchanges: James Catton, Richard Nunn, Matt Higgins, Charlie Stevenson, Zach Woodcock

Scorers
Chinnor
Tries (time): Haile (44), Keohane (55), Martey (77)
Conversions (time): Boughton (45, 55)
Penalty Goals (time): Boughton (1)
Drop goals (time):

Dorking
Tries: (time): Noble (4) Crow (52)
Conversions: (time) : Macdonald (5, 53)
Penalty Goals (time): Pimlow (31), Noble (64,72)
Drop goals (time):

Referee: Christophe Ridley
Attendance: 298
Half time score: 3-10
Full time score: 22-23
Star man: Will Crow (Dorking)

SOURCE: Contributed by Bill O’Donnell