Category: Sports News

IN a high-scoring, see-saw match that saw the lead change hands five times, Chinnor left Bristol in second place going down 39-35 to Ding?s Crusaders.

For the first 20 minutes or so, Ding?s Crusaders dominated play with accurate ball retention and good field position. Crusaders? full back Mark Woodrow opened the scoring with a simple penalty goal in the 8th minute. They increased their lead to 10-0 in the 12th minute when, turning down an easy penalty kick at goal, they went for a successful catch and drive in the corner, Dave Bufton touching down for the try with Woodrow converting.

Cathcart began Chinnor?s score in the 12th minute with a penalty goal to make the match score 10-3 in favour of the home side. In the 19th minute, Chinnor were fortunate not to go down by a further score when Ding?s James Oakley scythed through the middle only to deliver a forward scoring pass. On the 21st minute, Chinnor?s Stoop was yellow carded for preventing the release of the ball at a promising Ding?s attack. From the resultant scrum, Ding?s Steve Plummer went over for their second try which was surprisingly not converted by the otherwise impeccable Woodrow to go ahead 15-3.
At this point, Chinnor woke up from their slow start and with a forceful maul down the centre of the park, the ball went wide to a ruck from which Chinnor was awarded a penalty. From the kick for a lineout, Chinnor mauled well and then rapidly recycled the ball through Cathcart and Gray for Colver to crash through under the posts for Chinnor?s first try of the afternoon on 28th minute. Cathcart?s conversion reduced the deficit to 15-10 to the home side.

Four minutes later, Chinnor were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Cathcart transformed into two points and reduced Dings lead to 15-13. Chinnor kept up the attacking momentum and although a promising attack on left broke down just short of the line, the ball was recycled quickly and a cross-kick from Cathcart was athletically grounded for a try by Gray on the opposite flank in the 36th minute allowing Chinnor to go in 18-15 ahead at the halftime break.

Just three minutes into the second half, Ding?s ran a kick straight back through the centre of the field and two quick passes later Bufton touched down for Ding?s third try, converted by Woodrow for a 22-18 lead. On the 49th minute, home winger Taylor Stevens was yellow carded for batting the ball away during a promising Chinnor attack. Chinnor then attacked and were rewarded with a penalty which Cathcart converted to put Chinnor ahead by 21-20.

From the restart, Dings kicked long down the centre of the field. Gilbert returned the kick, and, following up, managed to toe punt the ball further towards Crusaders line. Gray won the footrace to gather the loose ball and touch down in the corner. Cathcart did well to convert from wide out to put Chinnor ahead 28-22.

In the 66th minute Dings came back with try from flanker Steve Uren from a scrum in front of Chinnor?s posts. Woodrow?s conversion returned the lead to Dings 29-28. From the restart, a lost ball gave Chinnor a scrum under their own posts. They failed to clear the ball from the base of the scrum and were penalised. Woodrow increased the lead to 32-28. Just a minute later, from a lineout ball, Dings weaved some backs magic to put through Woodrow for a try, which he converted, to increase the Dings lead to 39-28. With 5 minutes left on the clock, Chinnor grabbed a late try from Leo Fielding. Colver?s conversion reduced the deficit to 39-35 as time ran out for the visitors.

To a neutral, this was a wholly entertaining game with end to end stuff and each side scoring at least one corker of a try. Dings looked, in the first twenty minutes, to be running away with it but Chinnor responded strongly to go in ahead at half time. The difference between the sides was the skill of Dings? Mark Woodrow who kicked magnificently and whose skilful running and passing set up several scores. Plaudits go to referee Mr Phil Watters for his unfussy management of the game.

Chinnor seemed to commit too many errors at critical times, particularly in the last 10 minutes, to allow Dings to gain easy territory from which they scored. Sawyer was busy for Chinnor but Gray again stood out.
Next week Chinnor face Shelford, currently lying second in the league.

Scorers:
Dings Crusaders: Bufton 2T; Plummer T; Uren S T; Woodrow T, 4C, 2PG:
Chinnor: Colver T; Gray 2T; Fielding T; Cathcart 3C, 3PG

Chinnor team:
Colver, Fielding, Goode, Stoop, Gray, Cathcart (Millet 74), Hopwood, Winpenny, Holyland (Stock 53), Berry (Whelan 40), Mowbray (Hughes 68), Smith, Gilbert, Sawyer, Kava
Replacements: Whelan, Stock, Hughes, Millet, Corpe

SOURCE: Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

CHINNOR seconds played in the Zoo Shield Division two this week, travelling north to Hertford for this week?s top of the league clash. But what a difference a week makes in Rugby, from the 20 players that outplayed Henley last week, Chinnor seconds lost 13 players which must be some type of record. Eight players from last week were promoted to the first team.

Chinnor seconds had to play into a very strong and cold wind that was destined to make it difficult and knew that they would have to keep the score within 20 points to have any chance of winning the game. As is usual at most away games the home side always start the better and with the wind at their backs that is just what happened and the first points were on the board in six minutes with a converted try. Chinnor tried to kick their way out of trouble but that proved impossible and had to go to the right option of keeping the ball in hand. They did this well, but the blustery cold wind caused a number of handling errors, that was a problem for both sides.

The Chinnor forwards did dominate the scrum and this gave them a platform to control the game and they were justly rewarded with a great try by Trevor (the General) Powell and Chinnor had closed the gap to 7 points to 5 in Hertford?s favour. Hertford kept up the pressure and were successful with a penalty and drop goal. Chinnor?s defence was outstanding with everyone giving it their all to keep the score as low as possible, which they did to the delight of the Chinnor travelling supporters.

The first half ended 13 points to 5 in Hertford?s favour. Sadly Ed Devine and Harry Hillier were unable to play the second half due to injuries. The second half began well for Chinnor playing their free running rugby and with the wind at their backs they soon took the lead with a break by Alex Woodhouse who off loaded to George Blewitt who out muscled the home team to score near the posts, this was converted by Woody and Chinnor had narrowed the score to 13 points to 12 within five minutes. Paul Davies then outpaced the home defence to score near the posts once again it was converted by Woody and Chinnor took the lead 19 points to 13 for the first time.

Woody then followed when he split the defence and scored out wide, giving Chinnor their seventh try bonus point in seven games. Chinnor continued to keep the pressure up with forwards and backs working well together, with just rewards when ‘the General,? Powell broke through from half way, he was then caught on the five metre line but was strong enough to cross the line with three Hertford boys attached to his back, and it was again converted by Woody.

Chinnor increased their lead to 31 points to 13. Hertford scored a consolation try after Chinnor had cleared the ball into touch and Hertford took the advantage of a quick throw in which was knocked on, and while the Chinnor boys were waiting for the Ref to blow his whistle the Hertford player ran on to score his try under the posts. Woody added a penalty and the final move of the game saw George Blewitt go over for his second try and the game ended Chinnor 39 points to 20.

There were a lot of commendable performances by Trevor Powell as normal Tom Webb, Jon Lavin, Ed Vickers and Woody, but man of the match goes to young Anthony Kent who will make his mark in the first team in the not too distant future. Second?s maximum points 35 points after seven games it does not get better than this.

Tries x 6, Conversion?s x3 Penalties x1 x Thanks to Woody for coming down this weekend.

Also a big thank you to Martins son Stephen who helped us out and played in his first senior game at just 17 years old – well done!

Next match is on Saturday at home against Old Albanians 2s. Kick off is 14.30 Free entrance.

SOURCE: Contributed

ON Tuesday evening (30/10) Thame Utd recorded their sixth consecutive league game without defeat when they travelled to Kidlington and won 0-2. The depth of talent at the club was evident when Thame?s line up included three players who are reserve team regulars. Jordan Rogers, Richard Jewell, and Ben Gray are all learning fast, and have the potential to become first team regulars.

It was an entertaining game, played at a fast pace, with some attractive end-to-end football. Possession was fairly even but United were able to create more chances whilst maintaining a rock-solid defence. Thame?s first goal came after 11 minutes. Jewell took a free kick, hitting a high ball onto the penalty area which Ellis Hercules met with a goal-bound header before Nik Rhodes got the final touch, deflecting it beyond the keeper?s reach. Thame piled on the pressure and Luke Ricketts, Jewell, Hercules and Gray all went close.

The hosts played better after the break and Thame?s on-form goalkeeper Lee Farrow was busy. With about 55 minutes played he pulled off a particularly brave save, diving at the feet of a forward to prevent him from forcing the ball home. Ben Connelly provided a regular supply of quality crosses from the right and one lead to a blatant hand ball, in the area, when a defender punched a high cross from a Thame head, but unfortunately the referee was unsighted.

United?s second goal came with about 20 minutes to play. Jewell again hit a free kick into the danger zone and it looks as if it had been cleared but somehow the ball was reclaimed and driven in low where Rhodes met it at the near post. It looked as if the keeper had pulled off a save but the linesman had no hesitation in signalling that the ball had crossed the line. Minutes later, Gray created a 1 on 1 chance for Ricketts but the keeper saved well with his legs.

Overall it was a good performance from a team who are currently high in confidence. Long may it last.

Thame United: Farrow, Willett, P Pykett, Rhodes, Hercules, Rogers, Connelly (Evans), Jewell, Hoskins, Gray (Bonham), Ricketts.

SOURCE: Contributed by Bob Dixon

THAME Swimmers started their new competitive season recently with two victories in a week. The first was at the BBAT Meet on Sunday, September 23, when swimmers from Thame were against swimmers from Bourne End SC, Didcot Barramundis SC and Aylesbury District SC.

For the first time in the BBATs three year history, Thame won the Top Club trophy beating Didcot Barramundis into second place. Sixty Thame swimmers took part in the event and all but two put in at least 1 Personal Best. 

In addition there was a strong haul of medals, with ‘Golden boy of the event for Thame, Nacho Mendi, achieved one county time and booked his place at the 2013 County Championships in the 50m Freestyle, and took home six GOLD medals as well!

Kazia Coleman had sustained an injury playing football the previous day but still turned out for the event, taking a bronze medal before withdrawing due to the injury. Helen Malkin took home two silver medals on the day ? her 16th Birthday. Josh Williams insisted on getting to the gala to swim after being delayed due to a family crisis and as a result, Team Thame got another 36 points as Josh took Gold in the 100m and the IM, and Bronze in the 50m Freestyle as well as playing a key role in the final cannon relay team.

LEAGUE GAME – Saturday, 27/10/12 – Thame United away to Holyport 1, Thame United 2; MATCH REPORT: Thame United gained three points at Holyport last Saturday, winning 1-2. The game was played on the coldest day so far this winter and the strong, gusting north wind assisting Thame in the first half and the home team after the break. As a result, Thame spent much of the first half in their opponents half whilst there were far fewer second half attacks.

The visitors started well, winning a corner from the kick off and another three corners in the first five minutes. It soon became apparent that the wind would influence the game when home goal kicks did not cross the half way line. Thame were creating chances with Ben Gray and Nik Rhodes both going close. Holyport settled and took the lead after 11 minutes with their first real attack. Thame conceded a corner and when the ball was only partly cleared it came back, and a scramble ensued with Sam Jones eventually knocking it home from close range.

Thame equalised after 22 minutes, from their ninth corner of the match when Nick Rhodes met the Dan West corner kick with a stunning diving header. The wind assisted Thame team were in control and Gray found the side netting with a half chance whilst Jordan Rogers was unlucky to see his 20-yard shot hit the crossbar. United went ahead in the 35th minute when Gray and Rogers went for a Ben Connelly cross, at the far post, but a defender denied them both by deflecting the ball into his own net. The final few minute of the half saw the home side regain some control.

The second half was an anticlimax. It was more even and, whilst icy rain began to fall, both sides created chances but neither keeper was troubled, and there was no further score. The result lifts United to 10th league place, and they are now undefeated in their last five league games.

Thame United: Farrow, Barr, P Pykett, Rhodes, Hercules, Hayes, Connelly, West, Hodgkins, Gray (Johnson), Rogers (Evans).

United are at home next Saturday (3rd November) when a League Cup game brings Newbury to the ASM stadium for the third time this season.

CHINNOR RFC lost to the students of Hartpury College on Saturday (27/10) in a match notable for “incidents and errors” reports Bill O’Donnell:

ON a very blustery but clear day, Hartpury College overcame Chinnor 22-8 in a match most notable for incidents and errors.

Chinnor made several enforced changes for this match. With Gray, Seymour and Chase unavailable, a debut was given to Henry Swailes on the wing. Matt Goode was replaced by Leo Fielding in the centre and Frank Jones by Ricky Hopwood. Nick Harrison came in for Liam Gilbert and Evan Sawyer took the No 7 shirt.

With the strong wind at their backs, Hartpury started brightly. Their first score came from Chinnor?s difficulty in dealing with a high ball which wobbled in the wind. From the dropped ball, Hartpury began a series of rucks which ended with Alex Dancer crossing for a try.

Shortly afterwards, James Cathcart struck a penalty goal which, clearly over, left the three officials blankly staring at each other for what seemed an eternity. Without raised flags, the referee ruled against the home side to the mystification of the home crowd.

Chinnor battled to keep Hartpury out and matters boiled up with some foul play from the visitors on the 27th minute when a haymaker from Hartpury?s Moriarty put Chinnor skipper Winpenny convincingly on the deck. Seemingly having forgotten his red card, the referee Mr Michael Cooper, showed Moriarty yellow ? and Winpenny as well, for good luck. The resultant penalty touch finder allowed the home side to relieve the constant pressure on their line.

Cathcart for Chinnor opened the home side?s account with a penalty goal on the 32nd minute to reduce the deficit to 3-5. Two minutes later, Chinnor went into the lead when a dart through midfield from Fielding saw quick, recycled ball go across the park to Chinnor?s full back Henry Colver. Hauled down just short of the line, Colver retained the ball just long enough for tight head, Andy Berry, who with surprising agility and speed in support, went over for Chinnor?s try. The conversion failed in the wind to leave Chinnor 8-5 up at the break.

Hartpury came out all guns blazing and scored within two minutes when Thomas barrelled over to put Hartpury back in the lead 10-8. They then scored two very similar tries in quick succession. Good approach work from the pack led to a number of quick phases ending with rapid ball across the backs for two tries in 10 minutes, one converted, both from winger Ian Clark.

Chinnor was most unhappy with the first which involved three forward passes ? the last of which was clearly advised to the referee by the touch judge by repeated message through the radio link. Chinnor, now struggling even more with the referee?s interpretation of the laws and the stop-start nature of the game, could not get into the match and the last half an hour rather petered out to leave the visitors from Gloucestershire winners by 22-8.

It is not the habit of this correspondent to remark on referee performance but, given the number of serious errors made which affected, to some degree, the outcome of the match and the general dissatisfaction of both players and spectators, it is to be hoped that the video recording of the match is dissected by all those involved with referee and touch judge development.
Hartpury were a well drilled side and deserved the victory. Ageless Darren Crompton showed all the wiles of an experienced front rower and managed the referee very well. His opposite number is still bemused at how many involuntary penalties he conceded. Their lineout worked well and was a source of good ball for their backs to operate at high speed.

Chinnor competed well, when allowed to do so, and did well to go in ahead at half time. A slack 10 minutes let the visitors back in. Berry played well and made a number of speedy breaks. Sawyer did well, particularly in the line out.
Scorers:
Chinnor: Berry T; Cathcart PG
Hartpury College: Dancer T: Thomas T; Clark 2T; Burns C
Chinnor team:
Colver, Swailes (Mountford 32), Fielding, Stoop, Corpe, Cathcart (Millet 64), Hopwood, Winpenny (Stock 47), Hoyland, Berry (Pickett 71), Mowbray, Smith (Hughes 47), Harrison, Sawyer, Kava
Replacements: Pickett, Stock, Hughes, Millet, Mountford

PHOTO: Andy Berry, Chinnor’s Man of the Match

MATCH REPORT: Hellenic League Floodlit Cup – Highworth Town 3, Thame United 1 – 23/10/12

Thame?s recent unbeaten mini run was ended at Highworth (near Swindon) on Tuesday evening (23/10) when they were beaten 3-1 by Highworth Town in the Floodlit Cup. Player availability is often a problem for mid-week away games, particularly for minor cup matches, and as a result United ?s line up contained five players who are inexperienced at this level.

Thame started brightly but then the home side recovered and went ahead on 15 minutes with a good finish from Aaron Maximem. United were giving their opponents too much space and, despite Dan West being brought on to strengthen the side, Thame conceded their second goal in the 38th minute when the unmarked Talif Hamza fired home. In the last minute of the half Thame Striker Niall Hodgkins thundered a long shot against the post and Calvin Evans reacted quickly, met the rebound and hit a low shot from an acute angle, pulling a goal back for the visitors.

It was a more even game in the second half, with chances at both ends. Both goalkeepers were busy and Lee Farrow was in particularly good form for Thame making some outstanding saves. Highworth scored the final goal when, with 20 minutes remaining, when Maximem met a low ball across the 6-yard box to tap home. United fought to the final whistle and substitute Aaron Bonham went close with a good header, but it is Highworth who will play in the next round.

Thame United: Farrow, Barr, Way (West), Rhodes, Johnson, Rogers, Connelly, P Pykett, Hodgkins (Hercules), Gray (Bonham), Evans.

OXFORDSHIRE Senior Cup – 1st round – 20/10/12; Rotherfield United 0, Thame United 2 – MATCH REPORT:

Thame United travelled to Rotherfield, near Reading, on Saturday (20/10) where they progressed to the next round of the Oxford Senior Cup, by defeating Rotherfield United 0-2. Recently Thame supporters have become used to the team recording good results against sides at a similar level. Rotherfield however are bottom of the Senior Division of the Reading Football League, having lost all of their seven league fixtures this season. The visitors therefore should have had a comfortable win, but in this lacklustre game, Thame struggled to penetrate Rotherfield?s 10-man defence.

Several regulars where missing due to injury, whilst Nik Rhodes and Dan West were ?on the bench?.

Thame had the bulk of possession with 70% of the game being played in their opponents half. They took the lead after 15 minutes when Luke Rickets hit a low cross from the left and, after a scramble, Niall Hodgkins, forced the ball over the line. There were few Thame chances in the remainder of the half, whilst goalkeeper Lee Farrow was mainly a spectator, not making a single save.

The first part of the second half was similar but then the home manager switched formation to play with two strikers and, the game became more open. Farrow was more involved, and dealt well with the occasional goal-bound shot. Thame, on the other hand seemed unable to find the target, with numerous blocked shots and near misses. Thame?s second goal came seven minutes before the end when Ben Connelly made a run on the right, beat his marker, and hit a cross from the by-line which hit a defender?s chest to rebound into the goal.

With three minutes remaining Chairman, Jake Collinge, who is sometimes on the away sub?s bench but is rarely used, came on. He soon saw action and had a goal-bound shot saved when he got on the end of a low pass from the tricky Connelly.

Thame United: Farrow, Barr, P Pykett, Johnson, Hercules, Jewell, Connelly, Rogers, Hodgkins, Gray (Collinge), Ricketts.

United are away at Holyport next Saturday 27th. Their next home game is on Saturday 3rd November when a League Cup game brings Newbury to the ASM stadium for the third time this season.

THAME Swimmers started their new competitive season recently with two victories in a week. The first was at the BBAT Meet on Sunday, September 23, when swimmers from Thame were against swimmers from Bourne End SC, Didcot Barramundis SC and Aylesbury District SC.

For the first time in the BBATs three year history, Thame won the Top Club trophy beating Didcot Barramundis into second place. Sixty Thame swimmers took part in the event and all but two put in at least 1 Personal Best.

In addition there was a strong haul of medals, with ‘Golden boy of the event for Thame, Nacho Mendi, achieved one county time and booked his place at the 2013 County Championships in the 50m Freestyle, and took home six GOLD medals as well!

Kazia Coleman had sustained an injury playing football the previous day but still turned out for the event, taking a bronze medal before withdrawing due to the injury. Helen Malkin took home two silver medals on the day ? her 16th Birthday. Josh Williams insisted on getting to the gala to swim after being delayed due to a family crisis and as a result, Team Thame got another 36 points as Josh took Gold in the 100m and the IM, and Bronze in the 50m Freestyle as well as playing a key role in the final cannon relay team.

Other big medal hauls included Susannah Smith taking six medals in total (four Silver and two Gold), and the Goetz boys (Jamie and Tom) taking nine and eight medals each respectively (both with two Bronze, the rest being Silver). Another ‘Golden girl’ was the girls’ squad captain, Rachel Newton, with four Golds and two Silver medals.

The BBAT Top Club shield is now on display in the club trophy cabinet at Thame Leisure Centre.

Just seven days later, on Saturday, September 29, the squad were in action again at the Leighton Buzzard Swimming Club (LBSC) Team Gala, swimming against teams from LBSC, Modernians and Letchworth Swimming Clubs. Various 50m, 100m and relay events for the age groups were fought over throughout the evening and there was much support from the balcony from the good turnout of Thame parents. There was a good smattering of PBs and at the end, the squad won the event by just one point, beating the hosts LBSC into second place.

CHINNOR took a long while to get into this match in the Forest of Dean on Saturday, October 13. Lydney opened the scoring on the third rd minute when, following a chip over the Chinnor defence, full back Colver was tackled into touch. From the resultant line out, a catch and drive saw prop Dan Allison go over for Lydney. Chinnor struggled to get hold of the ball and struggled with knock ons and imprecise handling on the few occasions they secured possession.

On the 11th minute, Lydney increased their lead to 8-0 from a penalty goal from Lydney?s fly half Wicks, after Chinnor went offside at a ruck. Five minutes later, a Lydney scrum moved the ball quickly to the wing and two rucks later, Lydney lock Charles Daniell sauntered through a hole in the Chinnor defence for Lydney?s second try. Wicks? conversion saw the home ahead 13-0.

Chinnor finally got on the score sheet in the 21st minute when Stoop took the ball up in midfield and managed to slip the ball at the tackle to Gray whose diagonal line took him to the posts for 13-5.

From a midfield penalty, Lydney took a quick tap and then booted the ball downfield. Chinnor collected the kick but were penalised for holding on. Lydney elected for a lineout from which Chinnor stole the ball to deny the home side a score.

Chinnor again withstood Lydney pressure but this time to their advantage. Lydney, 10 metres from the Chinnor line, tried repeatedly to breech the visitors defence. With Joe Kava at the centre of the defensive effort, Chinnor?s rush defence forced a Lydney handling error. Goode fly hacked the loose ball downfield. Gray hacked again and, in a footrace with his opposite number, was first to ground the ball behind the try line to bring Chinnor back to 15-10 on the 32nd minute.

Five minutes into the second half, Chinnor reduced the deficit to 15-13 with a penalty goal from James Cathcart. From a penalty against Chinnor, Lydney went for a lineout and a powerful rolling maul saw player-coach Duncan Bell score Lydney?s third try. Wicks? conversion stretched the home side?s lead to 22-13 with 52 minutes played.

Three minutes later Chinnor reduced the gap to 22-18 with a try from Fielding. From line out ball, Goode ran back against play. From his pass, Stoop slid a precise grubber to the corner flag. The foot race between one Chinnor and two Lydney players went to Chinnor when Fielding was adjudged by the touch judge to have been first to ground the ball. Cathcart?s conversion brought the score to 22-20 in favour of Lydney.

In the 70th minute, Lydney ran a garryowen back from a mark but were penalised for going off their feet at the breakdown. Cathcart stepped forward to slot the penalty goal which proved to be the last score of the match to win it for Chinnor 23-22. The last 10 minutes were nervy for both teams but a penalty for tackling a player in the air allowed Cathcart to boot the ball off the park for a hard earned victory for the visitors.

Lydney got off to a flying start in the first half but met stiffer opponents in the second half. They will rue, however, passing up several scoring opportunities by poor ball handling.

Chinnor looked a pale imitation of the organised and skilful team of the previous week and hardly saw the ball for most of the first half. Things settled down enough in the second half to shore things up and steal the match by one point. The coaching staff will be looking to instil some consistency into team performance over the next few weeks with a run of matches against high achieving opponents looming.

Scorers:
Lydney: Allison T: Daniell T: Bell T; Wicks 2C, PG
Chinnor: Gray 2T; Fielding T; Cathcart C, 2PG

Chinnor team:
Colver, Gray (Seymour 43), Goode, Stoop, Fielding, Cathcart, Jones (Hopwood 60), Winpenny, Hoyland, Pickett (Stock 60), Mowbray, Smith, Gilbert, Hastings (Sawyer 9), Kava (Whelan 73)
Replacements: Whelan, Stock, Sawyer, Hopwood, Seymour