Category: Sports News

First XI fall to Burnham on opening Saturday

THAME firsts started their Home Counties Premier 2 campaign with a six-wicket defeat, at home to Burnham on Saturday, May 11.

After losing the toss and being inserted on a difficult wicket, Thame lost early wickets. Tom Bamford (37) and James Adams (39) got the innings back on course, but with a score in excess of 200 seemingly within reach, the lower order folded to an under-par 180 all out.

In reply, new opening bowlers Faisal Ali and Devane Warner started well and picked up a couple of early wickets. However, a near-chanceless innings from Burnham’s Raza Ali Dar (76*) saw his side home with 4 overs to spare. Thame travel to Cookham Dean next weekend

Second XI start in Division Three with a big win

THE 2nd XI were promoted at the end of last season and had a comfortable debut in Division 3.

Asking Horley firsts to bat, they reduced them to 175 all out in 46 overs, with Ali Thomas (4-26) and Dan Patey (4-30) doing the main damage. In reply, Thame reached their target for just 2 wickets in 31 overs, with Christian Warwick (pictured) on 87* and Matt Furness making 49.

This Saturday they entertain Banbury 3rds at Church Meadow.

Third XI make a positive start

THE newly-promoted thirds started their Division 8 campaign with a trip to Challow & Childrey and, losing the toss, were put into bat.

Thame started comfortably before a spell of 6-18 from Betts brought a collapse to 74-8. Neil Smith (31*) and Ian McStay (31) led Thame through the crisis to a competitive 153-9. Luke Hayes (1-17) and Pete Tervet (1-20) started well and in the new win-lose format, put Thame in command. Nick Humphries (3-32), Neil Smith (2-23) and a direct-hit run out by Hayes took out the middle order, putting C&C in a similar predicament as Thame.

Another good 9th wicket partnership caused concern, before McStay took the final 2 wickets – C&C all out for 123. The thirds host Brackley seconds next week.

Fourth XI’s tough baptism in Division 9

THE fourth XI are also newly-promoted, to Division 9, and started against league-favourites Cumnor thirds. The visitors were restricted by tight bowling from Kenny (9 off 6 overs) and Spindler (3-17), supported by Thomson (2-17) and Vines (2-27), but they fought their way to 144.

Thame found the batting chase a tough task, with only Charlie Anderson showing real resistance against a quality seam-attack, and knocking up an excellent 34 runs – not bad for his first game in 33 years! Thame ended on 77 all out, but bagging a respectable 8 points to get them off the mark. Next week they travel to Cropredy thirds.

WOMEN – Super 8 games at Oxford – Sunday 12 May

IN the first match of their Super 8s at Oxford, on Sunday, Thame’s Women did well to reach 230, Sarah Sanderson top scoring with 12. Despite solid bowling from Bridget Cooper, Mel White, Claire Morris and Sarah Sanderson, as well as great fielding by Mags Lightbody, Charlbury went on to score 270.

In the second match, Thame held Oxford to 295 and then, against an excellent bowling side, reached a solid 245, with Mags leading the way with 13 runs.

Two tough opponents for Thame but some great performances nevertheless.

SUNDAY XI friendly vs Oxford Hospitals CC

FINALLY, in Sunday’s friendly, Oxford Hospitals CC batted first, amassing 327 off their 40 overs. Notable tight bowling from P.McDermott 1-28 off 7 overs and Beth John 1-39 off 6. The response was led by Thame’s Guy Holmes with 105 runs.

Good support came from Tim East (23) and Taylor Vines (25) but Thame eventually all out for a very respectable 191.

port came from Tim East (23) and Taylor Vines (25) but Thame eventually all out for a very respectable 191.

AT just 15 years-old, Oxfordshire-born squash player, Chloe Marshall, gained her first England cap representing her country at the 2005 European Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel, and 14 years later, Chloe is still involved with the event, but this time in the role of the coach.

The 2019 European Championships have just completed in Eindhoven, in The Netherlands, at the Squashtime club, where Chloe acted as an assistant National coach to the England Junior teams, who were number One seeds for both the U15 and U17 age groups.

In the days leading up to the championships, Chloe was excited to work with the young elite players, commenting: “I was involved in this event last year and it was a fantastic experience getting to work alongside England’s young squash stars; I’m really excited for this year’s competition in Eindhoven – giving back to the younger players feels very rewarding”. Chloe accompanied 10 of England’s top ranked juniors to The Netherlands, where they were aiming to win their 13th consecutive title.

Chloe and the England Juniors went on to win gold in Eindhoven for both the U15 and U17 categories, making them 2019 European Champions! Next year the event will be hosted by England in Nottingham, which Chloe hopes to be involved with too. Aside from her role within the National Coaching team, Chloe bases herself out of Racquets Fitness Centre, in Thame, where she leads a Junior Squash Academy which sees over 70 children a week playing squash.

Group sessions range from beginners, all the way through to elite, for children aged seven years and above. The coaching team currently work with Thame’s schools, offering their skills to primary-aged children, who they can then develop within the Academy. Racquets Club Owner, Simon Martin, shares his enthusiasm and passion for squash, particularly the work that’s taking place with the juniors. “It’s great to see how the sport is evolving and modernising – it’s exciting to see all these kids coming through!” he said.

There are lots of opportunities for children to learn basic racket and ball skills at Racquets, as well as being offered experienced coaching from Chloe and her team. More information on how to get your child involved can be found on the Racquets website or by calling 01844 261754.

SOURCE: Contributed

THAME Duellists Fencing Club’s regional champion fencer, Rebekah Seed, was in action at fencing’s British Youth Championships in Sheffield last weekend, May 4-6, 2019.

The Championships, staged over three days at the English Institute of Sport, attracted over eleven hundred competitors across 24 separate events, with boys and girls competing in three different weapon disciplines across four different age groups.

For Rebekah, competing in the under 12 girls’ foil event, it was a demanding competition. A difficult group stage in which she was only able to pick up one win meant she entered the knockout phase of the competition with a tough draw and was eliminated in the round of 64, ending the day in 40th place overall.

Club coach James Kingston said: “Although the result wasn’t what she wanted, Rebekah gained valuable experience with this event and will go into her next competition better prepared. She should take pride in having qualified as regional champion.”

The Southern region, in which Thame competes, finished the championships sixth overall in the regional race out of 18 regional fencing organisations across the UK.

The British Youth Championships for fencing 2019 took place at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. Full individual results available at http://www.engarde-service.com/files/britishfencing/byc19/ with the results of the regional race HERE

For more information about Thame Duellists fencing club, contact club coach James Kingston on 07947 049511

RACQUETS Fitness Centre members Lauren Addis, Claire Finch, Rachael Parrey, Trish Clempson and Gillian Brannan, who all took part in the London Marathon recently, are still buzzing and counting the funds they have received between in sponsorship for their chosen charities.

Sue Martin Downhill, a Director at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame, explained: “They had all been training hard since before Christmas last year in order to be fit for the challenge. Everyone at the club has been following their training in awe of the amount of time they have had to put in and all had highs and lows throughout their preparation. For all of the girls getting to the start line was a huge team effort – each with their own supporting squad.

“They each have their own stories to tell,” wrote Sue. “Our class instructor Claire Finch, running for AGE UK, was beset by injury throughout the training and has needed chiropractor work and massage throughout the time. Claire did a lot of runs with Rachael Parrey as preparation alongside another competitor is always good motivation. Finishing in 5 hours and 15 minutes Claire was very happy to reach the finish line where many of her family were waiting for her. She has so far raised £3,304.28 which is an amazing amount.

“Rachael, running for Bowel & Cancer Research, also finished in a good time of 5 hours and 33 minutes and has raised an incredible £4,145. Lauren Addis, running for Royal Osteoporosis Society has raised £2,567.86. She has flourished throughout the training and finished in a fantastic 4 hours and 10 minutes. Lauren has already applied for next year’s London Marathon and has entered the Brighton event for 2020 too.

“Gillian Brannan, running for the Calvert Trust, has raised £1501.96. Gill couldn’t run for even a minute when she first started training with her Personal Trainer Nig Pattison. Eighteen months later and 2 stone lighter ,Gill has entered for 2020. While running her first marathon Gill stopped to help a lady 30 years her junior who was crying and trying to complete the marathon in memory of her mum. Gill ran the rest of the way with the lady encouraging her all the way. Gill says that the London Marathon 2019 was the best thing she has ever achieved. (Read Gillian’s story HERE)

“Trish Clempson, running for the Down’s Syndrome Association, has raised £4,047.52. This year, 2019, is a special year for Trish and what a way to celebrate turning 50 ! As soon as the other girls found out that Trish was running they all banded together to get each other through. Running the iconic London Marathon has been a dream made reality for Trish and she will never forget that incredible feeling of crossing that finish line!

“All the ladies agreed how hard the challenge of the marathon is on the body but also agreed how much they enjoyed the experience – especially reaching the end!” concluded Sue.

Here are their finishing times :
Lauren Addis – 4 hours 10 minutes – £2,567.86 Royal Osteoporosis Society
Trish Clempson – 5 hours 6 minutes – £4,047.52 the Down’s Syndrome Association
Claire Finch – 5 hours 15 minutes – £3,304.28 AGE UK
Rachael Parrey – 5 hours 33 minutes – £4,145 Bowel & Cancer Research
Gillian Brannan – 6 hours 8 minutes – £1501.96 the Calvert Trust

All the girls would like to send their heartfelt thanks to all who supported them in raising funds for a charity very close to each of their hearts. They have all been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and family with their time and donations.

ON a cold and damp evening last Friday, May 3, Thame Town Cricket Club’s Under-15s played and won the first competitive match of the new season, in front of the new clubhouse at Church Meadow.

Both teams were keen to get a game on despite the poor weather conditions. Cublington batted first and could only muster 68 all out, with wickets spread around the Thame team, plus excellent fielding yielding 3 run outs. In reply, Thame cruised to 70-2, thanks largely to the composed opening partnership between Elliott Dales (30 retired) and Ishaan Barde (11*).

Parents and supporters were able to watch the game in the warmth of the ground floor, function room and bar, which is available for hire to members and non-members alike.

The Under-15 squad trains on a Tuesday evening from 6pm and play in the Aylesbury League. Anyone who would like more information can visit: http://www.thamecricket.org.uk/junior-cricket/u15/

Thame’s four adult men’s teams start their competitive league season on Saturday, May 11m the first XI playing against Burnham (at home, 11.30) in the Home Counties Premier League. Meanwhile the Women’s squad played their first games (a Super-8s, three-way contest) last Sunday, including a win against Deddington.

RACQUETS Fitness Centre, in North Street, Thame, will be hosting a graded Doubles tournament on June 15, 2019, and all standards are welcome to take part.

Prize money will be up for grabs in the A grade.

For more information visit: LINK or to enter for the link HERE

Entry fee includes T-shirt, food on Saturday and a free beer!
(Local matches may start on Friday)

GRADES A, B, C, D, E (Any gender mix)
PRIZE FUND of £500 Cash and Equipment prizes
A Grade Winner £200
A Grade Runner-up £140
Losing A Grade Semi’s £80

SATURDAY EVENING – There will be music and drinks in the bar after so why not stay for bit of social?

SATURDAY saw a return to the starting line up for Thame’s Dan West, and due to injury, Peake-Pijnen was handed a starting position at right back showing his versatility within the side.

Both sides were surprised by the strong winds at Sharpenhoe Road and knew they would face a difficult day ahead. In the first six minutes of the game, both sides had equal amounts of possession. Ten minutes into the match, West held the ball up before passing wide to Fasanmade who was able to put in a left footed cross with venom which was neither attacked nor defended, and so went out of play. Barton appeared nervous at the back and unsure how to cope with the runs and pace of Fasanmade.

It took a while but Barton did create a move when a long ball towards Osobu on the left allowed him to run at the defence before squaring a pass towards Clayton which deflected up into the air. Thame’s Hill was grounded resulting in an easy tap in for Barton’s number nine, Clayton. Barton then had a goal disallowed for offside in a period of play when Thame were dropping deeper – even with Goss having to support defensively in midfield.

Thame continued to search for a way back into the game, and Peake-Pijnen nearly brought the away side back level when a left footed strike from distance went over the bar.

Thame appealed for a penalty but the appeal was rejected when it appeared Andrews had hand-balled inside his own penalty box. Despite no penalty, Thame gained possession from a clearance and passed towards Goss inside the box, who turned with the ball and fired a shot quickly away underneath Malone to make it 1-1.

Barton followed this with Clayton going one-on-one with Essex and managing to go past him before Hill forced Clayton to dribble the ball wide of him before getting a shot away – the shot hitting the outside of the post and wide. Barton tried to play on the counter and break forward in numbers, possibly to put pressure on the Thame defence. Towards the end of the half, Tack put in a dangerous corner which was not dealt with resulting in the ball bouncing up into the air. A firm header by Gledhill hit a defender but crossed the line to give Thame the lead for the first time in the game.

It should be noted that Thame’s Peake-Pijnen had a great first half at right back, with his positional play and good decision-taking. Barton ended the half playing at a higher tempo and finding space off the ball. West nearly extended the lead when his run off the ball meant he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and attempted to lift the ball over Malone but failed to do so. The first half was a story of equal chances but Thame being more efficient with their end product inside the box.

HT Score – Barton Rovers 1 – 2 Thame United

IT was a slow start for the first five minutes of the second half, before West had another opportunity to loft the ball over Malone but was unable to score. Although West missed chances with his feet, he was able to head the ball into the bar and in, by leaping above the defender from Tack’s corner from the right to make it 1-3. It took a decision from the linesman to award the goal. The Thame side were jubilant. Thame nearly extended their lead when a superbly weighted long ball by Lynn up the left flank reached West who dribbled infield before passing square to a running Tutton who hit the ball wide before it was eventually cleared.

Barton then had a period of putting in multiple crosses but time and time again no one could get on the end of them much to the Dugouts frustration. An excellent run on the right by Williams led to him switching play left to Osobu who hit the ball firmly past Hill to give Barton hope in the game. Thame’s captain Sturgess could be heard passing on words to his players to ‘concentrate and relax’. Barton’s Clayton found space on the right and a diagonal ball to him was hit wide of the post with Thame’s Hill watching the ball go wide.

The match was sealed for Thame when Tack’s sublime second half display led to his shot from 30 years being deflected and lobbing the goal keeper to make it 2-4 on the day to Thame. The goal gave the Thame side confidence and an increase in their work rate off the ball in order to see off Barton Rovers. There was a late scare for Thame when West went into a 50/50 challenge and came off worse. This led to a lengthy stoppage in play. But West appeared to run it off and continue. In the last 15 minutes Barton were attempting to play the ball behind the defenders but with out much joy following Clayton’s substitution. Thame were able to slow play down in the final few minutes and managed the game until the final whistle.

The result ended a brilliant week for Thame United as three points proved invaluable in the playoff picture. Thame moved up to fifth in the table due to results elsewhere in the division going in their favour. It has to be said that Thame showed great determination and team work for this away win. Barton will be disappointed to not have taken early chances in the first half which made the defeat a tough one to take.

FULL Time Score – Barton Rovers 2 – 4 Thame United

*** NEXT GAME ***
Thame United v Coleshill Town
Saturday 23/3/19
15:00
ASM Stadium, Thame

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