A week ago, on May 14, Thame met Thame in the ADNL netball league, divisions four and five play offs. It was an unusual state of affairs and both teams were feeling the pressure. Nerves were evident in the first five minutes of the quarter and Cyclones took the first goal.
Hurricanes’ play offs team 2014
As everyone warmed up, the play felt easier on both sides, with some lovely movement across court and sharp passing. Amy (C) for Cyclones was everywhere and found some fantastic space . Jesse and Jessie for Hurricanes did an outstanding job in centre court keeping Katie (Cyclones) under pressure. Carol and Helen (Hurricanes) helped to edge Hurricanes ahead early on and they built up a small lead.
Cyclones’ End-of-season team 2014
The defense on both teams, Penny and Emma (Cyclones) and Lyn and Nic (Hurricanes), worked hard to make life tough for both sets of shooters. Lynne (Cyclones) took some spectacular shoots in the closing quarter to help edge Cyclones ever closer, with a stunning goal celebration with teammate Vanessa.
Lucy and Lynn (Hurricanes) in centre court, ran their socks off to help Hurricanes maintain their lead and go on to win 25-21, thus ensuring they live to face another season in Division four.
Excellent sportsmanship from both sides in an unusual situation, but then we do love our Netball!
NB Thame Netball Club is holding trials for the coming season (September) on the Fridays in June of 6, 20 and 27, at Lord Williams;s Lower School sports hall. Newcomers are very welcome to try out the game. See website for further details. www.thamenetballclub.co.uk
SOURCE: Contributed by Lyn Hopwood, Thame Netball Club
THE organisers of the CPM Thame 10K road race in June, are encouraging entrants to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
You can register now on-line via Runners World website www.runnersworld.co.uk. There will be NO ENTRIES ON RACE DAY and the race will be limited to 1000 entries to maintain a safe and enjoyable day for everyone.
Runners will be pounding the course through Thame town centre to Towersey, and back along the Phoenix Trail, on Sunday, June 29, 2014, starting at 9.30am from Thame Leisure Centre.
SQUASH players of all ages and standards took part in a graded tournament (that’s one where there are lots of small tournaments so that everyone plays people similar to themselves – age and standard), with a particularly strong showing in the Juniors section.
The junior contingent included youngsters in the Beginner Junior grade. Young Nick Harbour played in the B grade, which is a very high standard and he is only 13!
The tournament, held on April 26/27, included a Squash Exhibition match in the evening, between Joe Brooke (http://www.abingdon-squash.co.uk/joe_brooke.html) and Will John (http://www.squashinfo.com/players/2728-will-john) which plenty of players, new and old, stayed on to watch.
Sue Martin Downhill of Racquets, was delighted with the tournament and said: “There was a real buzz throughout the event and we are really looking forward to the next one!”
All standards are welcome – Open and Closed tournaments run at Racquets are always designed to allow everyone to enter; if you know the rules then you are good enough to join in.
THIS weekend is going to be big for Squash and Racketball fans, with over 50 people already entered for the Graded Open Squash and Racketball tournament at Raquets Fitness Centre in Thame.
Joe Brooke
Unfortunately Alison Waters, the British Ladies No 1 Squash player, and World No 4, won’t be able to take part in the planned Exhibition match with Thame’s own World ranked, Racquet’s club Pro, Will John, due to an achilles injury. However, England International top seed, Joe Brooke has stepped in and the match will begin at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 3.
Top games will be screened in the bar throughout the weekend.
If you are looking for further information regarding the tournament or joining Racquets, give them a call or email Simon or Sue: info@racquets-fitness-centre.com, or call 01844 261754.
DESPITE a difficult first half of the football season, Thame Youth, Under 11s team has reached the final of the South Bucks Mini Soccer Conference (White Division).
Since Christmas, the team’s fortunes have turned around, and it has won eight of nine games played. The boys are now top of their division, and will play the second-placed team, Aylesbury United Juniors, in the final at the ASM stadium, home of Thame United, at Meadow View Park, on April 27.
Team Manager, Mark Britton, said: “It’s been really pleasing this season to see how the whole squad has developed. We have a very talented and committed group of players, and they really deserve their chance in the final. I’m confident they will do themselves proud.”
Player, James, aged 10, nicknamed ‘Jammy Dodger’, said: “I’m really looking forward to it, but I think it will be a hard game. We have played really well this season, and scored lots of goals, so I think we will do well in the final.”
Thame Cyclones v Flames Wednesday 2nd April 2014 – ADNL Div 5 -Final match of the season
THE last time Cyclones played bottom-of-the division Flames they won 48-10. But this did not mean that Cyclones could go into the game feeling complacent. In the first quarter, Flames only had six players which Cyclones were able to take full advantage of. With their extra player, Cyclones were able to over-power Flames in the centre half with some fabulous interceptions by Sam (WD), combined with brilliant movement in the circle by Sara (GS) working well with Lynn (GA) to power Cyclones into the lead in the first quarter by 13 goals to 1.
Team Cyclones
The second quarter saw the game become a little scrappy as Flames, back to their full seven players, fought to stay in the game. However, the domination of the centre court continued with Katie (WA) taking full advantage of Sara’s height with a series of strong, long passes straight to her under the post, leaving the defence dumbfounded. This, coupled with the continuous interceptions down the court from both Amy (C) and Penny (GD), allowed Cyclones to increase their lead at the end of the second quarter, with the score at 26-4.
The third quarter saw the substitution of Sara for Vanessa as GS. The shooting ‘dream team’ members, Vanessa (GS) and Lynn (GA) were able to show off their silky skills and intuitive play with each other for the very last time, as it was to be Vanessa’s last match for Thame. It was a masterclass in how a GA and GS should work together and left the Flames’ defence helplessly retrieving balls that glided through the net for the centre pass. Vanessa and Lynn were backed up once more with good play on centre court by Sam (WD) continually finding great space and Amy (C) showing off her ability to defend and then attack swiftly. Penny (GD) kept up the pressure on a very tall and quick Flames GA, giving great support to Emma (GK) in the circle. Cyclones once more increased their lead and at the end of the third quarter were winning 35-9.
The final quarter saw Katie injured, and Sam move to (WA) while Kelly came on as (WD). Cyclones kept it together against some physical defending as Flames tried in vain to close the gap. A number of penalties in Cyclones’ favour were used to full advantage in the centre half, with Kelly (WD) quickly reacting to these decisions and passing the ball out before Flames had time to regroup and successfully mark. The interceptions were flying and the goals kept coming. A fantastic 42-10 win for Cyclones to end their 2013/14 season.
Thame Hurricanes V Kites – April 2, 2014 – ADNL Div4 – Final Match of the season
HURRICANES started the game with only five of their 11 woman squad, having to play two players up from Cyclones. This meant positions were re-arranged and the battle commenced.
Team Hurricanes
The match against Kites is always a close run thing with some sharp defending on both sides. Jesse played centre for only the second time and did a grand job running all over the court. Lynn in WA was as lively as ever and fought hard against the Kites’ defence. Nic, in as Keeper following an ankle injury, was very vocal with her instructions to those playing in front of her, which proved useful against the in-form Kites’ shooter. Lyn, out from Keeper to Goal Defence, was feeling the pace, chasing Kites’ GA and dropping back to cover the GS. Karen in WD, recently back after the birth of her lovely daughter, did a tremendous job and made the match hard for Kites’ WA with lots of strong play and interceptions. Lynn and Sarah, who had already played for Cyclones earlier in the evening, did an awesome job as GS and GA to keep the team in with a fighting chance.
Coach Shelley was struggling to remain calm on the sideline as the game was fairly close in the first half, but due to tiredness and out of position players, more errors were creeping in. Inaccurate passes, dropped balls and slow turn arounds meant Kites were able to pull ahead.
The result had no bearing on the final League position for Thame Hurricanes, who were heading for the play offs at third bottom. Too many close matches lost by one or two goals and not enough wins means one more match ahead and the team is hoping for a speedy recovery for its injured players.
Final Score 20-30 to Kites. Squad. Nic R, Sue F, Lyn H, Jesse K, Lynn P, Helen T, Tor B, Carol S, Lucy S, Jessica R, karen F.
Top of the League Matrix prove too strong for Thame
WITH Thame looking to end their season on a high, things started badly for them, with Matrix making a strong start to the game. Proceedings began in a frantic manner, with both sides giving possession away, therefore creating limited chances. Matrix were on top, but Helen managed to open Thame’s account to give them some belief. Although Matrix were on top throughout the quarter, Thame managed to gain some composure to find themselves only 9-5 down by the end of it.
The second quarter was a much tighter affair with both sides looking to implement their own style of play to gain an advantage. Thame came out much stronger, passing much more fluently and putting pressure on the opposition. Strong interceptions from Kirsty gave Thame a strong base to work from, meaning they could close the gap to 12-8 at half time.
Thame were looking to start the second half on the front foot and made the perfect start with a goal from Heather. However, Matrix were still threatening and began to show their dominance as the quarter progressed, enabling them to take a commanding 21-12 lead into the final quarter.
A massive effort was required from Thame if they were to get back into the game, and things started brightly, with a few goals in quick succession. This gave them the confidence to push on and get within four points at one stage, before Matrix hit back and repelled their effort. Unfortunately Thame had no time to respond and eventually lost 26-20, to round off, what was overall a successful season, from where they were last time around.
THAME United were defeated 1-2, at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening (08/04) in their last home game of the season. The Gloucestershire based side, Brimscombe & Thrupp, were three league places lower than Thame, but had played five fewer games and, on the night, the teams were evenly matched.
It was an entertaining game, which either side could have won, with both teams playing fast, open passing football. The game was however marred by a referee who blew up for the slightest perceived infringement, and was far too quick to reach for his cards, which resulted in eight bookings and a sending off, in what was not a particularly physical game.
In the first few minutes, Ellis Hercules hit the post, whilst Dan West was narrowly wide with two, free kicks. The visitors went ahead on 12 minutes when, following a corner, Ian Pykett made a clearance on the line but the ball was deflected to Chris Greenough who reacted quickly to beat Lee Farrow with a strong 10-yard shot. United equalised 10 minutes later when a Ben Connolly cross was met by a defender who tried to find the right dead ball line, but instead found Niall Hodgkins who hit a low ball across the six yard box allowing Luke Ricketts to meet it at the far post and knock the ball home from close range. The remainder of the first half was entertaining end-to-end stuff although four players, two from each team, were shown yellow cards.
The second half was similar as both teams sought another goal but, although there were near misses at both ends, neither could break the deadlock. With five minutes remaining Ollie Lynch was shown a second yellow card, and United went down to 10 men. The winning goal came in the 90th minute when a cross from the left found substitute David Woodfield who beat his marker and finished well from 15 yards, giving Farrow no chance.
United have two away games to play. The last game of the season will be at nearby Ardley on Easter Monday, April 21.
Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett Hall, Hercules, Johnston, Lynch, Connelly, West (Hurley), Kedzierski, Hodgkins, Ricketts.
IN a tense contest throughout, Chinnor RFC managed to squeeze a two point victory against Taunton on Saturday, by 20-18.
Taunton opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Taunton’s scrum half, Townsend, took the ball from the base of a scrum and with pace and trickery, ran around the blind side untouched, to score under the posts. Kingdom converted to put the visitors ahead 7-0. An 18th minute penalty goal from Millett for Chinnor reduced the gap to 7-3.
With the Taunton scrum starting to dominate, penalty goal opportunities came regularly for the Somerset boys. Kingdom took two of them to put Taunton further ahead 13-3 with penalty goals on the 24th and 31st minutes.
Chinnor’s first try came from a long downfield kick from Taunton. Chinnor’s full back, Mountfield, collected the ball and launched a garryowen, Following up, he soared to catch the ball and released Chinnor’s backs down the tram lines. A kick ahead was fumbled by the visitors’ defence to let Hayes in for the try. Millett converted from touch to close the gap to 13-10 to Taunton at half time.
Chinnor scored again almost from the kick off. Taunton passed the ball behind their backs and good harrying by Harrison allowed him a kick through and touchdown for a try. MIllett’s conversion put Chinnor ahead 17-13. Chinnor then went into overdrive and battered the Taunton line for 15 minutes without luck. There were several held up decisions and Taunton performed heroics to prevent a score. Chinnor’s only gain from the period was a penalty goal from Millett in the 51st minute to put the Oxfordshire boys 20-13 ahead.
Taunton, despite the efforts of their non-stop defence then rallied. A break out by the always tricky scrum half, Townsend, eventually led to a catch and drive try on the 68th minute, scored by Forrester. KIngdom’s penalty missed to leave the score at 20-18 to Chinnor. Taunton, now galvanised, kept up the tempo and it was Chinnor’s turn to man the barricades which they managed until the sound of the final whistle.
Chinnor played with resolution and resolve in a fierce contest. Hall prompted well at scrum half with the two flankers, Harrison and Hirskij-Douglas having a fine game. Townsend for Taunton was tricky and dangerous throughout. The win keeps Chinnor just out of the relegation places and a continuation of the desire to win as shown in this match will go a long way towards survival.
Teams
Chinnor: Matt Mountford, George Blewitt, Matt Goode, Jack Hayes, Leo Fielding, Will Millett, Lewis Hall, Joe Winpenny, Jamie Townsend, Joe Pickett, Andrew Tibbatts, Michal Kruzycki , Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas, Nick Harrison, Liam Gilbert (c) Replacements: Ricky Cano, Rudal Aiono, Andrew Smith, Frank Jones, Dan Barnes
ENTRIES are now being taken on-line via the Runners World website www.runnersworld.co.uk.
Memories of Thame 10K 2013
THE CPM Thame 10k road race will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2014, starting at 9.30 am, from Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road, Thame.
There will be NO ENTRIES ON RACE DAY and the race will be limited to 1000 entries to maintain a safe and enjoyable day for everyone. Last year this race was full before the end of May so please enter early to avoid disappointment.
THE Thame 10k road race has been running since 1985 and has grown to be one of the key sporting fixtures in Thame, with 1000 runners pounding a course through the town centre to Towersey,and back along the Phoenix Trail. Thame Runners organise the race and allocate any surplus funds to local charities. Last year approximately £2.5K was given to local Thame organisations and charities.
