Category: Sports News

BUT first, Congratulations after the Thame Town Cricket Club’s Women’s Softball Festival proves to be a great success!

THE Women’s Softball Festival finally took place at Thame Cricket Club on Sunday, July 28. This was a huge success, after the disappointment of having to cancel the original date nine days previously. Six teams took part, which was a very good turnout at short notice. There was an entourage of supporters for all teams from family and friends, which added to the fun.

The games were played in competitive spirit and with good humour. “We had positive feedback from all teams, many commenting on the great atmosphere and how much fun they had,” reported a spokesperson for the Thame contingent. Women and girls of all ages played and whether experienced or not, the teams played with carefree enthusiasm!

Thanks were extended to all who helped to make this day a great success, from setting up pitches, umpiring and scoring, running the BBQ and the music. The play-off was between Thame and the Kites netball team – with Thame proving the winners overall!

A special ‘thanks’ went to The Bay of Bengal Restaurant and Holland Green Architects for their donations, which enabled TTCC to provide prizes for various awards for the winning team – best catch, highest score and best bowler!

And now for the Men !

THAME Town Cricket Club’s First team went top of Home Counties Premier Two over the weekend (July 27-28), with a penultimate ball victory over Wokingham.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, Thame’s bowling attack produced an extremely disciplined display to control the flow of runs. Aided by some excellent catching, Wokingham were restricted to 176-7 – Hassam Mushtaq and Andy Russell taking two wickets each.

The Thame response got off to the perfect start, with openers Mike Beard (67, pictured above) and Ollie Burland (45) putting on 99 for the first wicket. A brisk 29 from Callum Russell moved Thame closer to the target, but the fall of three quick wickets saw Chris Jeffcock needing three from the final six balls. After two dot balls, a fine strike over mid off brought the scores level, and Jeffcock sealed the victory with a tickle off the pads with a ball to spare.

Rain elsewhere in the league saw Thame climb to top of the league. The Firsts go to Oxford Downs next week.

Seconds gain points in rain affected draw

THAME’S second XI hosted Great Brickhill Seconds, and after a late start and winning the toss in this rain affected match, the Seconds decided to field first and knew what to chase to secure the most points. Thame fielded very well and stuck to their plan of restricting Great Brickhill’s runs, bowling them out for 146 in their allotted 42 overs. Liam Evans (pictured below) with 5-34 off 12 overs led the way, ably backed up by Gareth Bridges with 3-47 and Dan Patey (2-41).

Thame were 38-2 before the rain struck again, reducing the chase to a maximum of 23 overs but the Seconds resumed to score 94-6, well ahead of their target of 82, to secure the seven ‘winning draw’ bonus points in addition to their seven bowling points.

The Seconds host Stokenchurch next week.

Superb Thirds bowling keeps them top!

THE Thame Thirds hosted Stokenchurch at home. Having won the toss, Thame inserted Stokenchurch Seconds into bat on a slightly damp, green wicket. With an excellent opening spell from Luke Hayes (3-4, pictured below recently receiving his Award for U15s batting) and Robbie Jackson (2-16), supported once again by tight fielding, Stokenchurch struggled to get any momentum.

The first bowling change, Fahad Majeed, continued the pressure with a spell of seven overs for only eight runs, being unlucky not to take a wicket. Ian McStay (3-20) and Rob Johnson (2-12), finished the job off, as Stokenchurch were skittled out for 86.

After an excellent Jinman tea, for the second innings, the wicket had dried out somewhat. However, with clouds and rain still threatening, Thame were keen to finish the job off. Despite the loss of two wickets, Thame eased home for an eight wicket win inside 21 overs with Nick Fuller (15*) and Guy Holmes (38*) beating the rain and securing 25 points.

Thame Thirds next play second from bottom, Long Marston, away.

Frustrating draw for the Fourths

THAME Fourths took to the road in week 12 to take on Kingston Bagpuize Seconds. Having lost the toss Thame were put into bat. Here they made a strong start with Mark Fellowes and Tim Dabbs putting on an impressive 100 run opening partnership. Dabbs falling on 30 was replaced by Charlie Anderson (48) to continue to support Fellowes who posted 84. Thame eventually finished on an impressive 205-3 off their 45 overs.

Kingston Bagpuize, in reply, set to bat out the draw from ball one in a rain affected innings. Incredible efforts and figures from Thame’s bowlers ripped into the hosts including a superb five-for-five from Trevor Spindler off his 11 overs. Three more wickets from Pete Tervet, Neil Smith and Rob Kenny heaped on the pressure but Bagpuise held on to get a draw on just 39-8 off 33 overs. Another winning draw for the Fourths bagging 18 points.

Next week the Fourths host Kimble.

Ali produces again as Firsts brush aside Cookham – FAISAL ALI put in another majestic display on Saturday, taking 5-24 as Cookham Dean were bundled out for just 66 – a total that might have been smaller had the usually dependable Hassam Mushtaq put his hands on the right way round. Ali was supported by new ball partner Jo Van Dyk (3-31) and Dev Warner (2-8), who both bowled with excellent aggression on a bouncy surface.

Thame got off to their usual wobbly start in reply, but an innings of immense maturity and control by Tom Bamford (26*) saw Thame home for the loss of 5 wickets. Thame remain third, one point off the promotion spots, and travel to Wokingham next weekend.

Winning draw for Seconds at Banbury

THAME won the toss and elected to bat on a hot, but breezy day. Banbury’s opening bowlers bowled tightly but, Thame were well placed with wickets in hand to accelerate the scoring for the second half of their innings, ending up on 213-8 off their 53 overs. Everyone chipped in with the bat; Christian Warwick (42), Matt Furness (36), Richard Carr (30) and James Adams (29).

In reply, Banbury never really got going, being restricted by tight bowling from the three spinners, Mike Higgs (3-43, pictured below), Adam Phippen (13 overs for just 27) and Ali Thomas (3-50). Thame’s out fielding was outstanding with Oli Sutcliffe throwing himself over the whole of the outfield and Dave Saunders taking two low catches. The match was played in a good spirit, with Banbury holding out for a losing draw on 159-8. The Seconds host Great Brickhill Seconds next week.

Thirds strengthen position at the top

THAME Thirds Visited Brackley Seconds hoping to continue their winning ways on a day that threatened thunderstorms, and the potential use of Duckworth Lewis. Having won the toss Thame elected to field first on a wet, spongy track. Nick Humphries (3-19) and MOTM Ollie Chaplin (4-32) both bowled with considerable control and discipline and, with the support of some excellent fielding, Brackley found it really hard to score runs. At one stage they were 26-1 off 12 overs. With pressure building, bowling changes of Robbie Jackson (2-23), Pete Tervet (1-23) and 7 catches there was little respite for the home team, who eventually were bowled out for 102 in the 45th over.

In reply, Thame lost their causal make shift opener, Paddy Harris, early leaving Thame on 1-1. Andy Jinman (52) and Gareth Bridges (32) steadily rebuilt the innings taking the total to 84-1 before losing Gareth. This set up a comprehensive seven wicket win as Thame took all 25 points to remain top. Thame next play Stokenchurch Seconds at home.

Fourths draw one wicket short of victory

THAME hosted Cropredy on Saturday on a blustery day. Having successfully won the toss, Cropredy put Thame into bat. Thame made a steady start before a mix up saw Nick Fuller (16) run out. A crucial partnership followed shortly after, between top scorer Fahad Majeed (44) and Rob Kenny (27), which saw Thame reach a competitive total of 150 -8 off their 45 overs.

In reply, Cropredy opening partnership also made a steady start to their innings before Thame introduced Fuller into the attack. Making an immediate impact, Fuller posted impressions be figures of 7-31 runs off his 15 overs. Such figures took Thame within one wicket of victory with five overs remaining in the game. After a concerted effort, the wicket just would not come as the opposition batters dug in for the draw – Thame bagging 17 vital points in the process. Next week Thame Fourths travel to Kingston Bagpuize.

RAF Women’s team fly in for a cracker!

IN a welcome last-minute fixture after a cancellation, Thame began to wonder if they had overstretched themselves after losing the toss, batting first, and with an early tea beckoning at about 15 overs! The RAF women set an attacking field, severely limiting Thame’s run rate, at the same time as claiming 8 wickets. However, Sarah Sanderson and Emily Neighbour shared a brilliant 94 unbeaten partnership – Sanderson scoring a magnificent 56, including eight 4s, while Neighbour made 26. After the 30 overs, Thame had made a strong recovery at 166-8.

Following another delicious tea (hot fajitas) courtesy of Lina and her mum (thanks Mrs Manning!), Thame took to the field, demonstrating a strong bowling attack. Neighbour (1-18) set the tone with a wicket in the second over, and Mel White (1-23) followed with a caught and bowled with her first ball! Top bowlers were Sally Brentnall (2-26), including a double wicket maiden over, and Antonia Barnes with a stunning 3-15. Barnes’ victims included the RAF’s opener on 92!

With the RAF wickets falling rapidly, Thame were in with a chance and the excitement began to mount! With 3 overs still to go, a couple of 4s from the RAF left them equal on 166 and Thame’s fielders crowded the wicket. A dramatic melee then ended the game, with keeper Vicky Shaw scrambling in the dust, and RAF batter and fielder Mags Lightbody colliding to the ground at the wickets as Thame desperately tried to stop the run!

After a moment’s confusion for everyone, and once the bodies had been cleared, the umpires declared the run had been made and the game was over! The RAF had won with 167-7 off 28.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and competitive match, and the two teams hope to do battle again in the future!

First eleven defeat Harefield – CALLUM Russell struck a magnificent century to steer Thame to a six-wicket victory at home against Harefield over the weekend.

After losing the toss and being forced into the field on the hottest day of the year, Thame’s prolific new ball pairing of Faisal Ali and Jo Van Dyk dismantled the Harefield top order, reducing them to 40-5. Harefield fought back well as Thame wilted in the sun, eventually reaching 182 all out, Ali finishing with 4-24.

The Thame reply started poorly with the loss of both openers, but Russell appeared to be batting on a different surface at times, as he moved through the gears fluently in making a fine 117 not out. He found support in Hassam Mushtaq, who finished 44 not out, as Thame got home for the loss of just four wickets. Thame, currently sitting second in the league table, travel to Amersham this weekend, June 6.

Seconds trip up at Sandford St Martin

THAME seconds won the toss and elected to bat first on a glorious day at Sandford St Martin. Thame made a strong start with Richard Carr making a quick fire 36 which was supported by Harry Thomas 32 and Rafe Dickie 40. However the middle order struggled to kick on to post an intimidating total and ultimately finished with a below par score of 199.

Wickets were hard to come by in the field for Thame due to some excellent hitting from Sandford St Martin’s opening batsman who blasted his way to 126 which put the game to bed with Thame ended up losing by 6 wickets. They now host East Oxford at Church Meadow this weekend.

Thirds defeat Abingdon Vale thirds team

THE thirds hosted Abingdon Vale, at a temporary home venue of Stanton St John. Thame’s in-form opener, Andy Jinman (114*) led the charge and made the opposition toll on the hottest day of the year, building strong partnerships with Guy Holmes (29) and Fahad Majeed (31).

Jinman carried his bat to ensure Thame reached an impressive 237. Abingdon Vale in reply showed no intention of attempting to chase down the total but Thame’s bowlers, supported by some energetic fielding, eventually broke through.  The pick of the bowlers were Luke Hayes (2-18), Ian McStay (3-27) and Majeed (2-2).  Abingdon were finally bowled out for 100 inside 37 overs.

Thame thirds play Buckingham fourths away for a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday

Fourths lose in agonising fashion to leaders Tiddington thirds

THAME fourths limited Tiddington thirds to just 131-8 from their 45 overs at Great Haseley, with Jake MacKay top-scoring on 48, thanks to a magnificent spell of 7 for 38 from Dan Constant, his career-best figures! In reply, Thame made steady progress towards victory over the division-leaders, with top scores from Tim Dabbs (22) and Andy Johnston (20), but wickets were also falling at regular intervals.

In the end they were all out for 130 in the 42nd over, just one run short of the Tiddington total. They entertain Dinton thirds on Saturday.

 

1ST XI make short work of struggling Dinton – THAME 1st XI produced a clinical display in a comfortable 183 run victory over struggling Dinton.

After winning the toss and batting, openers Mike Beard (29) and Ollie Burland put on 59 for the first wicket. Beard’s dismissal only brought Cal Russell to the crease, and those two set about the Dinton bowling. Russell was eventually dismissed for 70, but Burland went through to a fine century. Some late hitting from Dev Warner (33), allowed Thame the luxury of declaring on 287-5 in 52 overs.

Jo Van Dyk struck in the first over of Dinton’s reply, and their response never got going. Three wickets apiece for Van Dyk, Faisal Ali and Andy Russell saw the hosts dismissed for just 104.

Thame sit third in the league and welcome second-placed Harefield next weekend.

Late rallies not enough as 2nds are defeated at home

THAME 2nds hosted Oxford Downs 2nds and made a good start with the bat, Richard Carr making 41, supported by James Nielson and Rafe Dickie. Following a middle-order collapse, a good final-wicket partnership between Liam Evans and James McStay got Thame up to an under-par 179 off their 53 overs. Starting well with the ball, Thame restricted Oxford Downs to 81-4 – Alastair Thomas taking 2-54. However, a fifth-wicket partnership of 73 took the game away and, despite a couple of late wickets, Downs reached the target with 7 wickets down. The 2nds look to get back on track at Sandford St. Martin this Saturday.

Thame 3rds stay 2nd after dominating Shipton-under-Wychwood 3rds

THAME travelled to Shipton-under-Wychwood and their bowlers reduced the home side to 16 for 5 after 11 overs, with James Olliver (2-14) and Luke Hayes (3-15) on top. After a fifth-wicket partnership of 40, Ian McStay (4-30) and Rob Tomlin (1-33) polished off the rest, as Shipton limped to 120 all out from 32 overs. In reply, Paddy Harris and Nick Fuller (39) put on a solid opening partnership. Fuller led the run chase and was well supported by Guy Holmes (20), Zahid Hussain (17) and Vim Desai (14*). Thame 3rds next take on fifth-placed Abingdon Vale 3rds at Stanton St John.

Close defeat for 4ths in low-scoring match

THE 4th XI hosted Bledlow Ridge 2nds at Lord Bills’s and Thame’s batsmen struggled from the off, losing the top 4 cheaply. Tim Dabbs (29) counter-attacked well, before Max Muncaster (31) compiled Thame’s top score as they limped to 108 all out. In response, Thame had Bledlow in trouble at 8-2 and continued to take wickets with Ed Mather (3-31), Rob Kenny (2-17) and Chris Penny (2-30) making the game a tight contest, but in the end Bledlow hit the winning runs, with 8 overs to spare. The 4ths next travel to Tiddington 3rds.

Women’s team get first victory in new Home Counties league

THAME travelled to Cookham Dean for their 2nd league fixture on Sunday. Batting first, Antonia Barnes and Beth John (15) started well, backed up by Megs Woodward (31) and Sarah Sanderson (22), as Thame reached 132 all out. In reply, the stand-out performance came from youngster Emily Neighbour, with 3 wickets and a stunning caught-and-bowled. Wickets also fell to Beth John (1-23), Mel White (1-15) and Claire Morris (1-23). Despite a flurry of late boundaries, Thame claimed victory as Cookham Dean could only reach 118-8.

The juniors

FINALLY, on the junior front, there was a convincing win for Thame Under-13s vs Haddenham, in the Aylesbury League, followed by a narrow defeat to Aston Rowant in the Oxfordshire League.

SOURCE – Contributed

Back-to-back wins for 1st XI – THAME 1st XI made it back-to-back wins with a strong performance at home against Wokingham. Bowling first, Thame’s opening bowlers Faisal Ali (3-18) and Jo Van Dyk (2-33) produced superb spells to reduce Wokingham to 8-3 and then 32-5. On a good wicket, Wokingham rebuilt steadily, eventually setting a below par 167.

Any concerns over the run chase appeared to have been dismissed as Thame openers Mike Beard (41) and Ollie Burland (32) reached 74-0 off just 11 overs, but their dismissals prompted a collapse to 109-4. With wickets continuing to tumble, Callum Russell was left to steer his side home with a well controlled 31*, Thame reaching their target for the loss of 6 wickets with 17 overs to spare. Thame host Oxford Downs this Saturday.

Second XI make it 3-from-3 despite collapse at Great Brickhill

THE 2nd XI travelled to Great Brickhill and got off to a bad start, collapsing to 43-6. Richard Carr came to the rescue with a fantastic century (101), with support from Cian Cooper-Davies (25) and Alastair Thomas (42*), achieving a defendable total of 219. In reply, Great Brickhill got off to a quick start and were always ahead of the run-rate. Each of Thame’s bowlers took wickets, however, with Jonathon Jelfs (3-51), Alastair Thomas (2-46) and Rob Johnson (2-31) the pick of them. In a tense finish, late wickets fell and Great Brickhill were bowled out 8 runs short. The 2nd XI seek to build on this perfect start to the season this Saturday, away to Stokenchurch 1sts.

Third XI bowlers set up a 9-wicket mauling of Stokenchurch away from home

AGAINST Stokenchurch 2nds, Thame 3rds chose to bowl and Rob Tomlin (1-19) and Nick Humphries (3-23) applied early pressure. Luke Hayes (2-10) then took a wicket with his first ball and later dismissing the only real threat (opener Ali). Humphries was then rewarded for his effrots with 3 wickets in 4 balls. It was left to Ian McStay to finish off the Stokenchurch innings (76 all out) by taking a hat-trick with his first 3 balls. Thame’s openers Andy Jinman (36*) and Manil Subsesinghe (36) put on 75 for the first wicket, with Pete Higson coming in to see vicotury by 9 wickets. Thame 3rds next play at home against Long Marston 3rds.

Fourths succumb to Kingston Bagpuize 2nds

THAME 4ths hosted Kingston Bagpuize 2 and, batting first, they started well before a flurry of wickets spelt trouble. However, an excellent knock from Dan Hart (36) saw Thame reach a respectable 105 all out. When the visitors batted, a few early wickets from Ed Mather (3-30) and Shay Reading gave Thame hope of an unlikely victory. Kingston Bagpuize’s opener, Stuart Edwards (37), proved impossible to shift, giving them victory for the loss of just 4 wickets. This Saturday Thame play away against Kimble 2nds.

Junior cricket

ON the junior scene, Thame’s Under-13s and Under-15s continued their winning ways against Waddesdon and Stewkley respectively.

SOURCE: Contributed

LAST Sunday (26/05) more history was made, as Thame Town Cricket Club welcomed the Oman Women’s national cricket team as part of their five-game tour of the UK – the first international opposition at Thame since the Maltese national side visited over 30 years ago!

The visitors arrived in Thame having previously taken on Wanstead CC, Hertfordshire, the CCC and the MCC as part of their tour. The tour also included a wonderful day at Lords to witness the final of the Royal London Championship Cup between Hampshire and Somerset. Having won the toss and choosing to bat the impressively-drilled Oman team showed their class by amassing an impressive 182 for 3 in their 20 overs.

Standout displays came from Jayadhanya Gunasekar (80 off 66 balls), Hina Javed (31 off 20) and captain Vaishali Jesrani (28* off 23). Sarah Gumbold and Bridget Cooper took their first international wickets. In response Thame Woman toiled against some impressive bowling, scoring 60-8 off their 20 overs. Liv Hart and Beth John performed well and Savanagh Beaumont and Lina Budde-Manning resisted well in the final 5 overs.

The Omani team management were graceful in their thanks to Thame Town CC for hosting the game in such beautiful surroundings. Thanks go to Sarah Sanderson for organising the game, to Simon Prodger (National Cricket Conference) for arranging the UK tour. Special thanks also to Sajit Kumar (Omani manager), Haider Ali (Coach) , Suresh Kumar (Trainer) and all the team for bringing such skill and vibrancy to Thame on what was a special and memorable day.

SOURCE: Contributed

FOR the first time ever, Thame Town recorded four wins out of four in their league fixtures last Saturday, May 19 . The last time they recorded a clean-sweep was in August 2017, but the club then had only three teams! Leading the way, the 1st XI battled to a first win of the season against Cookham Dean.

Bowling first, Thame lost Andy Russell to injury in the 9th over, leaving them to field with 10 men for over 40 overs. Despite this, Thame kept things tight, with particularly miserly spells from Faisal Ali (1-21) and the new overseas pro Jo Van Dyk (2-37), limiting Cookham to 231-5. Thame got off to a fast start in their reply and a fine partnership between Mike Beard (58) and Thomas Bamford (84*) steered them to within sight of victory. A lower-order wobble led to a nervous finish, but Thame eventually won with 2 wickets to spare. They host Wokingham this Saturday, May 25, at Church Meadow.

Seconds defeat Banbury thirds

TH second XI welcomed Banbury thirds to Church Meadow. Thame got off to a strong start thanks to the bowling of Sam Lachlan (2-33) and Matt Ridgway (2-46). More tight bowling from Dan Patey (1-15) and Ben Warwick (2-18) then pinned Banbury back to a below-par score of 161. In response, James Nielson (44) and Christian Warwick (45) guided Thame smoothly towards the target. The middle order then reached Banbury’s target, helping Thame seconds to secure their second win, by 5 wickets; they travel to Great Brickhill seconds this Saturday.

Third XI win against Brackley seconds

THE thirds hosted Brackley seconds at Lord Bills’s and Brackley were pegged back instantly with some fine bowling from Luke Hayes (2-12) and Ollie Chaplin. As pressure built up, Tim Hester (4-23) and Nick Humphries (3-17) took wickets regularly and Brackley were eventually all out for 153. In reply, Thame also lost an early wicket, before Rob Johnson and Paddy Harris steadied the ship. The spine of the Thame innings was an 86-run partnership between Guy Holmes (68) and Luke Hayes (21) taking Thame to 141 for 4. A mini-collapse and a nerve-racking finish ensued and it was left to Ollie Chaplin to hit the winning runs; they next play Stokenchurch seconds away this Saturday.

Nail-biting win for the fourths against Cropredy thirds

AT Cropredy, Thame thirds were soon under the cosh at 10-4. Tim Dabbs (21) and Neil Smith (15) steadied the ship before another collapse to 67-9, whereupon Rob Kenny (23) took the total up to 109. With the ball, Thame started well through Trevor Spindler (4-13) and Chris Penny (1-13). A strong 5th-wicket partnership looked to have Cropredy in command, but regular wickets and good bowling from young Martin Wiles (1-10), Mark Fellowes (2-1) and Spindler wore the hosts down. Eventually, with Thame needing 1 wicket and Cropredy 4 runs off the last over to win, Thame claimed a dramatic win by 3 runs. They face Kingston Bagpuize seconds at home this Saturday.

Thame Women host Reading University on Sunday

IN a new fixture, Thame’s women took on a team from Reading University in an 8-aside, T20 format. In spite of a strong bowling attack and tight fielding, Thame’s only wicket was from Mel White, and Reading reached 140 for 2. In the second innings, Reading unleashed their secret weapon, a former junior Welsh international bowler and Thame did well to reach 73 for 5, with top runs from Mel White, Bridget Cooper, Sally Brentnall and Sarah Stewart.

It was an enjoyable match but on this occasion, Thame’s older team could claim neither age nor experience as an advantage! They play a third Super 8s tournament at Deddington on Monday.

NOT content with winning the Wycombe and South Bucks League Cup on Sunday, May 5, Thame boys Under 13’s have won the first division title with one game to spare.

Their journey to first place has been an incredible one, winning all of their matches save one, coupled with winning the League Cup the boys and their coaches, Jimmy Key and Andrew Rawlings are feeling very proud of themselves.

Their rise to the dizzy heights of the first division has not been an easy one; they have spent the last few seasons bouncing between the bottom of the first division and the middle of the second. They started this season in the second division before being promoted to the first in January.

You would think they are looking forward to a well-earned break, not this team! There is one title they want above all; Thame Tournament and given their performance so far this season this just might be their year.

SOURCE: Contributed

MARTIN Wright was born in 1940 and is looking forward to his 80th birthday next year. For some this might mean putting your feet up and having help around the house. But for Martin this is far from reality.

Martin plays squash or racketball three times a week. His opponents range from 55 year olds upwards. He started playing tennis at school and with his father, who was an enthusiastic tennis player. Throughout his life he has played racket sports, starting with badminton at the Railway Institute in York and the Gas Works in Birmingham.

On moving nearer to Thame, he has played tennis in Horsenden, and badminton in his local village club, and had often found himself still completing badminton league matches in single court venues until the early hours of the morning.

While on contract at Brampton RAF station, Martin was keen to continue with his racket sports but there weren’t any badminton or tennis courts around. This is when Martin discovered squash. He started playing regularly with one of his colleagues and has never looked back. Since then Martin has played regularly in clubs at Winnersh and Basingstoke and just before he retired he discovered Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame. For the past 20 years Martin has been playing regularly with a very nice bunch of ‘lads’ each keeping fit and conditioned by being very active several times a week.

The most unusual place that Martin has played squash was the Sheraton Hotel in Botswana where he played with the now foreign minister, who was then the third top player in Botswana.

Martin believes that the only way to keep playing into ‘the silver years’ is to keep playing regularly. “Never have a break of more than a short holiday. You can get into all sorts of difficulty if you take longer breaks,” he says. At 79 years-old, Martin fully expects to be playing wellinto his 80s!

If you want to start back on your journey to being more active, then maybe you could start with Racquets Fitness Centre’s Healthy Hearts circuits for the older generation on Mondays and Fridays at 11am. Light mobility exercises for 45 minutes and then a cup of tea.  

If you’re active but would like to work your heart and lungs just a little bit more, then our Silver Servers racketball group on Tuesdays at 10am might be for you.
There are lots of opportunities at Racquets to become and keep active, and more mobile so why not go along and find out what Racquets can offer to do for you. 
Call 01844 261754 to find out more.