Thame.net

Category: Sports News

  • Thame take the double over rivals Holyport

    THAME  United travelled to Holyport‘s, Maidenhead based ground on Saturday, (02/11/13) where they secured the double over their opponents by winning 1-4.

     

     The game was played in a strong wind which assisted the home side in the first half and Thame after the break. Shannon Jesson, who has recently signed from Ascot, was in Thame’s starting line up. Sadly the game was marred by a referee who blew his whistle at the least provocation and did not allow the game to flow.

    After an even start, Thame found themselves on the back foot and were penned into their own half for a while. Holyport’s only goal came on 15 minutes when Thame failed to clear a ball ‘over the top’ and striker Jamie West headed home. The visitors were on level terms again five minutes later when Ian Pykett made a run on the right and hit a cross slightly behind Louis Cordice who, with his back to goal, met it with a spectacular scissors kick giving the home keeper no chance. It was the goal of the game and probably United’s best of the season so far.

    The home side went down to 10 men a few minutes later when Ben Connolly was unfairly brought down by Dan Sharp. After the referee awarded a free kick, Sharp stupidly kicked the ball at Connelly whilst he was down, and the referee dismissed him from the pitch. United’s second goal came on 30 minutes when Cordice took a free kick, hitting a 30-yard shot which the keeper stopped, but spilled, allowing Luke Ricketts to react quickly and fire home from five yards.

    It was 1-3 a few minutes after the restart when Connolly fed a forward ball to Niall Hodgkins whose clever shot, went over the keepers head. It was Holyport’s turn to be penned into their own half and Thame had several more chances. United’s final goal came with about 10 minutes remaining when Ollie Lynch played a telling ball to substitute Martin Griggs who confidently hit a well placed 20-yard shot pass the home keeper. Game over!

    Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, P Pykett, Hercules, Rhodes, lynch, Connelly (Hurley), Jesson, Hodgkins (Sykes), Cordice (Griggs), Ricketts.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bob Dixon

  • Chinnor just squeeze through against Bishop’s Stortford

    Chinnor RFC’s first team, troubled by injuries and absences, did just enough to squeeze home against a competitive Bishop’s Stortford side 29-27, on Saturday (26/10)

    Image courtesy of .pitchero.com/clubs/bishopsstortfordrfc/

    Chinnor went into the lead in the third minute after a Millett penalty goal but then suffered a blitz from the visitors from Hertfordshire who scored two tries in two minutes.

    Nice interplay from Stortford down the tramlines allied to woeful tackling, saw Cattell score Stortford’s first try. A quick tap from a midfield penalty for a Chinnor offside allowed Mahoney to skip through an absent defence and lay on the second try for Hankin. Walker’s conversion put Stortford 12-3 ahead with just six minutes played.

    Three minutes later a scrum penalty awarded to Chinnor was converted by Millett to pull the score back to 6-12. Having weathered the initial storm, Chinnor came back into the match on the 21st minute when a simple passing movement at pace saw George Blewitt in at the corner. Five minutes later, a punishing scrum from Chinnor saw Frank Jones, dart inside his defender and slip the ball to Hastings who crashed over for Chinnor’s second try. Millett’s conversion put the home side ahead 18-12. The third try came courtesy of Corpe who jinked through the Stortford defence to increase the lead to 23-12.

    As the half came to a close, Fielding, for Chinnor, was yellow carded and Walker’s penalty goal for Stortford closed the half at 23-15 to Chinnor.

    Just two minutes into the second half, Stortford caught Chinnor on the hop when Hankin touched down for his second try of the day to put the visitors just three points behind at 23-20. Millett soothed the crowd’s worries with a penalty goal on the 52nd minute to increase Chinnor’s lead to 26-20.

    Stortford then upped the pressure and Chinnor had to endure a ten minute period when Stortford charged at the line continuously. Despite the number of penalties awarded against them, Chinnor held firm and cleared their lines. Stortford came back and, with an apparent knock-on in midfield causing several Chinnor players to stop, Bird went over for a try near the posts and Walker’s conversion put the visitors 27-26 ahead with 13 minutes left to play. Chinnor did not panic and moved the game upfield where a penalty, awarded wide out on the right-hand side in the 74th minute, was converted, with no mean skill by Millett in the fierce wind, to put the home side back in front 29-27. Stortford were not finished but the Oxfordshire boys managed to hold the score and secure a two point victory although outscored four tries to three by their visitors.

    Chinnor managed some periods of skilful play but, for most of the match, seemed disorganised and out of sorts. Their period of three tries midway through the first half did much to seal the victory as did Millett’s kicking in very windy conditions. However, for the rest of the match, they were hassled and hurried by competitive Stortford side. Bishop’s Stortford, to their credit, never gave up and will feel irritated that their efforts did not earn them victory. Hastings, for Chinnor, had a fine all-round match with some bullocking runs – doing much to ease the pressure from the Hertfordshire lads.

    Chinnor scorers:
    Tries (time): Blewitt G (21); Hastings (26); Corpe (34)
    Conversions (time): Millett (26)
    Penalty Goals (time): Millett (2, 9, 52,74)

    Bishop’s Stortford scorers:
    Tries (time): Cattell (3); Hankin (5, 42); Bird (67)
    Conversions (time): Walker (6,67)
    Penalty Goals (time): Walker (39)

    Chinnor team:
    Ricky Hopwood, Tristan Corpe, Leo Fielding, Will Millett, George Blewitt, James Cathcart, Frank Jones (c), Joe Winpenny, Ed Vickers, Andy Berry, Sam Blewitt, Andrew Smith, Andy Tibbatts, Nick Harrison, Adam Hastings

    Replacements: Tom Whelan, Nathaniel Titchard-Jones, Tom Mowbray, Joe Marston, Sam Angell

     

     

  • Rugby: Chinnor lose to newcomers Amptill

    CHINNOR RFCr maintained their losing streak on Saturday (19/10),  going down to league newcomers Ampthill 21-11.
     
    Ampthill got off to a rapid start when just four minutes in, right wing Elliott Clements-Hill struck a 55 m penalty when Chinnor were penalised for not releasing. Ampthill kept up the pace and, just four minutes later, Joseph Tarrant went over for the first try. Clements-Hill added the extras to put the home side 10-0 ahead with just eight minutes played. Chinnor’s woes continued as open side flanker Max Williams was yellow carded for playing a man off the ball.
     
    Ampthill continued to control the match with fly half Teague orchestrating most things with his boot. On 32 minutes, Clements-Hill had an easy penalty goal to put the home side 13-0 ahead. Chinnor scored their first points of the day on 34 minutes when Frank Jones executed a delicate chip over the onrushing defence for Millett to collect and feed Corpe who dotted down to put the Oxfordshire boys in at half time 13-5 down.
     
    Chinnor started to play better in the second half and a promising phase of play was halted illegally in the Ampthill 22. MIllett struck the penalty to close the score to 13-6. Clements-Hill, with a penalty goal in the 55th minute extended the home side lead to 16-6. Chinnor then attacked the Ampthill line for a considerable period of time but came away only with a penalty from MIllett to make the match score 16-11.
     
    An aimless kick downfield from Chinnor was returned at pace by Teague, not kicking the ball, who slipped a pass to Williams for Ampthill’s second try of the match to make the final score 21-11 to the Bedfordshire boys.
     
    Chinnor had a poor first half but played much better in the second half and created a number of scoring opportunities which they failed to take. One or two more successful passes close to the Ampthill line might have saved the day for the Oxfordshire boys. Ampthill proved to be a useful side and their recruitment policy in attracting players from much higher leagues provided dividends, particularly in how they controlled large parts of the match.
     
    Scorers:
    Chinnor: Corpe T; Millett 2PG
     
    Chinnor team:
    Ricky Hopwood, Joe Marston, Leo Fielding, Sam Angell, Tristan Corpe, Will Millett, Frank Jones, Joe Winpenny, Tom Whelan, Andrew Berry, Liam Gilbert (c), Tom Mowbray, Andrew Tibbatts, Macsen Williams, Oscar Hirskyj-Douglas
     
    Replacements: Jamie Townsend, Sam Ludgate, Adam Hastings , George Blewitt, Matt Mountford
     
    SOURCE: Match report contributed by Bill O’Donnell
    22/10/13

  • Thame goalless as Ascot turns up the heat

    Thame United logo

    THAME United’s winning run came to an end at the ASM Stadium on Saturday (19/10),  when they were defeated three-nil, by their bogey team, Ascot United. It must be said however that the score flattered the visitors. Thame worked hard, and had their fair share of possession but, after three games of clinical finishing, Saturday frustratingly saw the return of ‘near misses’.

     The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges and Thame keeper, Lee Farrow, was called into action after a few minutes play, making a good save. Ascot’s first goal came after 30 minutes when Ian Pykett pulled back an opponent in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Leon Yarney took the spot kick well, giving Farrow no chance. Although Niall Hodgkins, Lynton Goss, Ellis Hercules and Ben Connelly all had half chances, it was one-nil to Ascot at the break.

    Ascot’s second goal came five minutes after the restart when some slick passing allowed Matt Jones to fire home from 12-yards. Thame countered and forced a series of corners, and Taylor Collins was unlucky to see his goal-bound shot blocked. Luke Ricketts and Lewis Cordice came on for Thame and both looked sharp. Farrow made an outstanding save from an unexpected 30-yard shot, and all was not lost until, with about 15 minutes to play, Rob Saunders hit a 35-yard free kick past a surprised Farrow to finish the scoring. Goss had two further chances but both were off–target.

    Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, P Pykett, Hercules, Rhodes, Lynch, Connelly, Johnston (Ricketts), Hodgkins (Davis), Collins (Cordice), Goss.

    Thame’s first team are without a game next Saturday (26th) but coincidentally the reserve team are at home to Ascot United Dev. The next first team home game is on Tuesday, October 29, when Kidlington are the visitors.

    Match report contributed by Bob Dixon

  • Super Thame extinguish the Flames

    NETBALL –  Thame Tornadoes V Flames;  ADNL Division 3;  Wednesday,  October 16,  2013 – MATCH REPORT:

    Thame Tornadoes netball team

    THAME began the game sharply, making crucial interceptions to gain the early initiative. Short, sharp passing added flair to their game, which was proving far too much for the Flames’ defence. However they managed to respond midway through the quarter which sprung the game into life, with several goals at each end.

    A negative for Thame was that Heather GS had to go off injured after landing awkwardly on her ankle. The first quarter proved to be a goal fest, in which Thame surged into a 14-5 lead.

    The second quarter started with a series of missed chances before Thame managed to extend their lead further. At this point the Tornadoes looked unstoppable and were really taking the game to the opposition. Their total dominance was shown with a 29-8 lead at half time, with Flames wishing it was full time.

    The third quarter proved to be a quiet one, with Thame taking their foot off the gas slightly, allowing Flames to have their best spell of the match. Both teams were looking tired with errors creeping into Thames game, but they still managed to keep a firm grip on proceedings, taking an unassailable 35-13 lead into the final quarter.

    Thame managed to play out the final quarter very comfortably, adding to their lead. They ran out comfortable 48-15 winners and have now won four out of four matches!

    Contributed by Bradley Rose

  • Firefighters swap pumps for the pool and win Thame Swimathon

    A TEAM from the Thame Fire Station are celebrating after winning the second Thame Swimathon, which took place at the Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 13, part of the lasting legacy of the London Olympics and Paralympics. 
     
     
     Image Courtesy of Nick White Photography
     
    Over 70 people of various ages swam in teams of six for one hour. Groups from Thame SAFARI (Self Advocacy for Adults who Require Independence), Racquets, Thame Swimming Club, Thame Town Council, Thame Fire Brigade, Chinnor Kettlebells, Haddenham Super-ducks and others were represented by enthusiastic swimmers. The swimmers were honoured by Peter Lambert, Mayor of Thame who, together with Jeannette Matelot, President of the Thame Rotary Club, awarded the teams with their medals. 
     
     
    Jeannette Matelot Green, President of the Rotary Club of Thame, said: “This year’s Thame Rotary Swimathon was an exciting event from start to finish – although I never tipped a toe into the pool! From our young swimmers through to our Thame Firefighters, not forgetting the Thame Town Council team, it was a fun-filled day which also raised a lot of money for our local Thame charities.”
     
    Marius Ciortan, who chairs the Thame Rotary Swimathon steering group added: “Our Swimathon this year went from strength to strengt. We had 45% more teams than last year and we raised at least 30% more funds than in 2012. All teams had a fabulous time and helped raise, so far, over £2,000 for charities for which the Rotary Club of Thame is very grateful. However, the moneys continue to  come in as the on-line fundraising did not stop and some teams are still busy fundraising.”
     
    The team from the Thame Fire Station swam the highest number of lengths – 174, being followed by the two teams from the Thame Swimming Club.
     
    Marious added: “The Thame Rotary Swimathon has now become a traditional community event in Thame, so look out for details next year.  Our thanks go to our sponsors, club members, friends and relatives, but especially to the teams of swimmers from Thame and neighbouring villages without whom this event could not have happened. “
     
    For more information about Rotary Club of Thame and to get in touch,  visit www.thame.rotaryweb.org or ring on 07764 85 49 49.

  • Thame 10K funds allocated to local charities

    MONEY raised through this year’s Thame 10Km Run has been allocated to local organisations and charities.  £2568 was raised through sponsorship by the hundreds of people who took part in the CPM sponsored Thame 10k Road race of 2013, organised by Thame Runners.

    The CPM Thame 10K 2013

     The event started in 1985 for the Thames Boys Brigade and when Thame Runners took over the event, they kept to the principle of allocating proceeds to local charities and clubs. Beneficiaries this year included Thame Scouts and Guides, Thame Rotary, Sustrans,  the Thame and District Day Centre and Community Car, the Air Ambulance and many other organisations.

    Next year’s Thame 10K  is Sunday, June 29, 2014.

  • Thame Utd ‘on a roll’ after beating Bracknell Town

    THAME United are ‘on a roll’, recording their third successive win at Bracknell Town on Saturday (12/10) by defeating their hosts 4-0. The result strengthens Thame’s sixth league position. It was an entertaining game, particularly for United supporters, with the on-form Niall Hodgkins scoring three goals before half time.

     

    After an even start, Thame started to win more of the ball and create chances, going ahead, from a corner, in the 23rd minute. Taylor Collins took the corner kick which fell to Matt Johnson whose shot was parried by the home Keeper. It then fell To Hodgkins whose shot appeared to be cleared off the goal line but, as Thame appealed, the well- placed linesman signalled that the ball had crossed the line and a goal was awarded.

    On 30 minutes Lynton Goss ran at goal and was scythed down just inside the penalty area and Hodgkins scored confidently from the penalty spot. With a minute of the half remaining, Collins made a run on the left and hit a good shot which the keeper blocked. But ‘poacher’ Hodgkins was in the right place to collect the rebound and hit the ball home to complete his first half hat trick.

    The home side came out ‘fired up’ for the second half but, after a few anxious moments, and a good save from Lee Farrow, Thame again established their control. United’s final goal came on 66 minutes when a Collins free kick was met by the head of Nik Rhodes, but his header was going wide until Simon Lynn got his head to the ball to finish confidently near the far post.

    Bracknell went down to 10 men a few minutes later when substitute, Danny Oliphant, unfairly challenged Farrow and was shown a red card. Thame continued to look dangerous and the goal-hungry Collins forced a good save from the home keeper. With the game won, Thame was able to rest tired legs, and substitutes, Tom Sykes, Luke Hurley and Jordan Davis came on for the final few minutes.

    Overall it was a good performance from the Thame team who are currently playing some good football. Long may it last.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bob Dixon

    Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, P Pykett, Lynn, Rhodes, Lynch, Connelly, Johnson, Collins (Hurley), Hodgkins (Davis), Goss (Sykes).

    United are at home next Saturday (October 19) when they face Ascot United at the ASM Stadium. They are also at home the following Tuesday (October 22) when Wootton Bassett Town are the visitors.

  • Racquets Squash Development Academy

    RECEIVE Expert Coaching and Advice – Saturday October 12,  from 10am till 12 noon. Highly qualified coaches, squash pros and fitness trainers will be sharing their knowledge to enhance your game from 10 am onwards. All standards are welcome.

    The Squash Development Academy aims to engage young and old with our beloved sport and reinvigorate existing players to become more active at all levels of the game.

    We hope that you can come and are sure you will take away plenty of useful tips to improve your squash, your fitness and to get a real buzz out of the game.

    Please contact  simon@racquets-fitness-centre.com –  Numbers will be limited. Or call: 01844 261754

    Club Night on Sundays at 4.20pm and Improvers group squash coaching on Mondays at 7pm.

    Squash court at Racquets Squash Academy, Thame
    Squash court at Racquets Squash Academy, Thame

  • First defeat of the season for ‘out of sorts’ Chinnor

    CHINNOR RFC suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday (04/10), going down 20-13 away at Canterbury.

    Chinnor never really got going in this match and looked out of sorts, particularly in the first half. This is to take nothing away from Canterbury who were direct and forceful throughout the match.

    The scoring opened in the eighth minute when Millett for Chinnor scored a penalty goal to put the visitors 3-0 ahead. It then took until the 70th minute until Chinnor scored again. In the meantime, Canterbury got on with the game and scored their first try in the 13th minute from nippy scrum-half, Grant Kay. Although the conversion was missed, Canterbury soon increased their score when Charlie Harding went over for a try, converted by Hilton, to put the home side 12-3 ahead on the 20th minute. Now with a taste for the line, Harding went over again just three minutes later to put Canterbury ahead 17-3 – a score they maintained until half-time.

    Throughout the first half, Chinnor had only visited the Canterbury half just once (for their early penalty) and thereafter were trapped in their own half until the referee allowed them a much-needed break.

    Just after the restart, Canterbury increased their lead by another three points when man of the match, Charlie Harding, popped over a penalty goal to make the lead 20-3 in the 41st minute. Thereafter Chinnor began to get back into the match but met stout resistance when scoring opportunities seemed possible. Chinnor made five replacements in a short period of time in an effort to get something from the match. In the end, fly half Millett went for broke and a mazy run saw him dot down for Chinnor’s only try of the match on the 70th minute. His touchline conversion closed the gap to 20-10. Canterbury then scored a good try only for the score to be cancelled on a touch judge intervention for foul play. Chinnor upped the pressure and were awarded a penalty which Millett converted for a 20-13 score which remained until the final whistle.

    Although Chinnor had a better second half, Canterbury’s dominance in the first half particularly, led to the home victory. Canterbury’s Harding was a significant influence on the match and was clearly the best player on the park. The better side won and Chinnnor must learn not to kick aimlessly to opposition players prepared to run the ball back and regroup from the whole experience. Their better second-half performance offers some comfort and they will be grateful to have earned a losing bonus point.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bill O’Donnellchinnor_badge

     Scorers:

    Chinnor: Millett T, C, 2PG
    Canterbury: Harding 2T, PG; Kay T; Hilton C

    Chinnor team:
    Ricky Hopwood, Joe Marston, Leo Fielding, Matt Goode, Tristan Corpe, Will Millett, Frank Jones, Joe Winpenny, Edward Vickers, Andrew Berry, Sam Blewitt, Tom Mowbray, Andrew Tibbatts, Adam Hastings, Liam Gilbert (c)

    Replacements: Tom Whelan, Ian Stock, Oscar Hirskyj-Douglas, James Cathcart, Matt Mountford