Category: Sports News

Hellenic League Cup, Round two – 29/10/11 – Ardley United 3, Thame United 0 – Match report (Contributed)

THAME United suffered their first away defeat of the season on Saturday, when they lost 3-0 to 2nd placed Ardley United. With regular goalkeeper Nick Bennion injured, the game saw the debut of Elliott Bernstein, who has played at a higher level. Whereas the debut of an outfield player is generally not crucial to the outcome of a game it is not the same for a goalkeeper. Unfortunately, Bernstein had a mixed debut and although he made some fine saves, he was at fault the first goal and perhaps ?could have done better? for the third.

After an even start, Thame went behind in the 7th minute when a long cross from Ardley defender Carl Standen was misjudged by Bernstein, who turned the ball into his own net. Thame should have equalised in the 15th minute when Stuart Barr, who was in a striker role, was blatantly pushed in the back as he was about to head home in the 6-yard box. Unbelievably referee Williamson waved play on. Shortly after Ian Pykett was fouled during an Ardley attack, but Williamson also missed this infringement. A few minutes before the break, Bernstein made two good saves, and there was a one goal deficit at half time.

Ardely?s second goal came 2 minutes after the restart when winger Nick Thorn made a run on the left and his marker, Nik Rhodes, slipped allowing him to hit a shot from an acute angle, giving Bernstein no chance. Minutes later Bernstein made a quality save from a strong shot. Thame came back and Barr was unlucky to see a shot go just wide. Ardley?s final goal came from a ball through the middle which was picked up by Ryan Brooks in enough space to dribble pass the oncoming Bernstein before slotting the ball into an empty net. United brought on substitutes and Barr, who had an excellent game, moved to a defensive role, allowing Aaron Rogers and newcomer Alex Woodfine to form the striking duo. Thame pressed, and Matt Hall hit the cross-bar with a long range shot. Minutes later Adam Little hit an on-target shot which was deflected out for a corner. The hosts were forced to defend for the final 10 minutes, as Thame piled on the pressure, but they restricted further chances and will progress to the next round.

Thame United, Bernstein, I Pykett (Woodfine), Hall, N. Rhodes (Meredith), Steadman (Little), Keeble, Cowan, West, Barr, Rogers, Ricketts

AFTER an early scare, Chinnor overcame local side Amersham and Chiltern, recovering from 16-0 down to win 39-16 on Saturday, October 29.

Chinnor were metaphorically still in the changing room when Amersham and Chiltern scored the first try of the match in the 40th second of the game. Retaining the ball from the kick-off, Chiltern moved the ball rapidly to left wing Jerry Rice who dotted down in the corner. With Bugden?s conversion, the Bucks side were 7-0 up with just one minute on the clock.

Chiltern kept up the pressure on the home side and 10 minutes later scored the first of a triple set of penalty goals from the reliable boot of Ross Bugden. By the half hour, Chinnor were shell shocked and Amersham and Chiltern were 16-0 up.

Chinnor then began to settle down. A midfield penalty against the visitors from Bucks on the 32nd minute led to a catch and long drive to the line, with Gilbert touching down for Chinnor’s first try. With Cathcart’s conversion, Chinnor trailed by 7-16 at the interval.

The halftime talk clearly galvanised Chinnor who now came out all guns blazing. With the wind now at their backs, Chinnor pressed the Chiltern line. Inches from the line, the referee gave the visiting Rice a 10 minute rest for lying over the ball. The catch and drive from the resultant penalty saw Gilbert again touch down on the 48th minute for Chinnor’s second try of the day to reduce the deficit to 16-12 to Chiltern. Chinnor took the opportunity to replace Mowbray with Ramsdale.

Awarded a penalty on the halfway line, Cathcart made excellent use of the breeze to slot a penalty goal for Chinnor to reduce Chiltern’s lead to just one point, 16-15. On the 64th minute, Chinnor got a slight nudge forward at scrum on the Chiltern’s 22m line. A wayward pass was expertly collected by Goode whose arcing run allowed him a simple try under the posts, easily converted by Cathcart to allow Chinnor to take the lead for the first time in the match by 22-16. Three minutes later a penalty goal from Cathcart increased Chinnor’s lead to 25-16. At this point Chinnor brought on Whelan for Pickett and Prinsloo for Williams.

Prinsloo?s first touch was most significant. A precise cross field kick from Cathcart was neatly fielded by Prinsloo who, in one motion, collected he ball, sidestepped his marker and slipped a pass inside. Two more inside passes later saw Harrison cantering through the posts for Chinnor’s bonus try. With Cathcart’s conversion, Chinnor now held a 32-16 lead. A few minutes later, left wing Colver came into midfield looking for work and accelerated on to a short pass to slice through the opposing defence for a score under the posts. Cathcart converted to give a final score in favour of Chinnor of 39-16.

Amersham’s intensity from the start of the match took Chinnor by surprise and for the first half-hour the visitors were in control of the match, belying their low position in the league. Fortunately for Chinnor a degree of patience and intelligence was rediscovered and they systematically came back into the match. At one point the visitors from Bucks were 16-0 ahead. Chinnor did well then to halt further scores and pile on 39 unanswered points.

The wind was a significant factor in the match and a number of prodigious touchfinders from Cathcart helped turn the match in Chinnor’s favour. Chiltern?s kicker, Bugden, was also reliable with the boot and Chiltern scrum-half Polataivao was a constant threat throughout the match for Chinnor. Chinnor will be pleased that their forwards got them back into the match with Gilbert maintaining his average of a try per game and for some moments of sheer class from the backs.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Gilbert 2T; Goode T; Harrison T; Colver T; Cathcart 4C, 2PG
Amersham & Chiltern: Rice T; Bugden C, 3PG

Chinnor team:
Gray, Williams (Prinsloo 69), Goode, Stoop, Colver, Cathcart, Jones, Winpenny, Tattersall, Pickett (Whelan 68), Jackman, Smith, Mowbray (Ramsdale 49), Harrison, Gilbert
Replacements: Whelan, Ramsdale, Prinsloo

STATUS: Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

MATT Hutchings will be running a rugby camp during the half term break from 24th ? 26th October 2011

This is aimed at the 5 ? 12 year olds and will be grouped accordingly. This is for members and non-members, players and those new to the game.

Bookings and enquiries to Matt on 07736 032847 or e-mail: hutch42001@yahoo.co.uk

CHINNOR used up this season’s luck all in one go with the final play of the match against Exmouth to steal a victory by 20 points to 19.

With Tom Gray returning to the left wing berth for the injured Seymour and Richie Williams starting for the delayed Mark Chase, Chinnor were largely unchanged.

Chinnor started the match brightly with two incisive runs from Stoop which should have resulted in tries but for forward passes and knock-ons at the critical moment. With a missed penalty kick all to show for their superior territory and possession, Chinnor came unstuck in the 23rd minute. Exmouth snapped up loose ball from an overthrown lineout by Chinnor on the halfway line and with their first visit to the Chinnor 22, allied to weak tackling, saw Tom Kill in for an easy try for a 7-0 lead to the home side.

A few minutes later, Chinnor began to resemble the team that has played in their colours since the start of the season. Quick ball from a midfield ruck saw precise movement and passing from the backs allowing Richie Williams in for a try in the corner. With the conversion missed, the match was level at 5-5 going into half time.

On the 53rd minute, the Cockles? Scrum half Adam Garner scored a simple try from 22m out when he picked the ball up at an unguarded ruck and ran straight through the middle under the posts for Exmouth’s second try. With George Meadows? conversion, the home side went into a 12-5 lead. Five minutes later, Garner did exactly the same thing again and with Meadows? conversion, Exmouth were now 19-5 ahead with 20 minutes remaining in the match.

This third score seemed to wake the visitors from their lethargy and they immediately snapped into try scoring mode from a scrum some 30m out. Goode took the ball up and two inside passes later Harrison ghosted under the posts for Chinnor’s second try which was converted by Cathcart. Five minutes later, Cathcart stepped up for a penalty goal which reduced the Exmouth lead to 19-15.

Chinnor then tried desperately to find a winning score but the stern Exmouth defence kept the visitors from Thame at bay. With the final minute to go, Exmouth began to play keep-ball. They went down the blindside on the halfway line where a thunderous Chinnor tackle dislodged the ball. Stoop was quickest to respond, picking the ball up and setting off down the tramlines. His natural speed was enough to get him to the try line before the home side could react. With the conversion attempt failing in the high wind, the referee blew for no side to give Chinnor an unlikely victory and crush the hearts of the valiant home side.

Exmouth always pose a stern test for the boys from Thame. They defended well throughout the match and managed to contain the Chinnor backs well. In the tricky scrum-half Adam Garner, they had a player of great vision who took his opportunities well. They will be devastated to have lost the match with the final play.

This was Chinnor’s poorest performance of the season so far. Although they had lots of territory and possession, they could not build pressure or fashion points. On the two occasions that they looked like the Chinnor team of previous weeks, they scored two beautifully worked tries. The great positive that they will take from this match is their determination to play every minute and not give up. They will be grateful to Sam Stoop for his last second discovery of Chinnor’s ?Get out of jail free? card.

Scorers:
Exmouth: Kill T; Garner 2T; Meadows 2C
Chinnor: Harrison T; Williams T; Stoop T; Cathcart C, PG

Chinnor team:
Williams (Chase 60), Gray, Goode, Stoop, Colver, Cathcart, Jones, Winpenny, Tattersall, Pickett (Whelan 60), Jackman (Devine 64), Smith, Mowbray, Harrison, Gilbert
Replacements: Whelan, Devine, Chase

In light of England Squash needing to move the regional tournament to the 3rd/4th March (see below) to gain more entries, Racquets Fitness Centre has decided to run a graded racket ball tournament ‘Handicapped’ instead on Saturday, October 22, from 12-6pm.

“It will be a knockout tournament with a plate, equipment & cash prizes available,” explained Martin King of Racquets,” and Mark Fuller will publish results and draws on the UK racket ball site.

“We won’t provide t/shirts but will include a light rolling lunch included in the

MENS – Thame 1st XI 4 ? 2 Witney 2nd XI; THAME travelled to Witney for a tough game for their latest match, which they came through with a 4-2 win to give them the top spot in division four after two games.

Witney showed their intent from the start playing at a very high tempo, with the visitors absorbing the early pressure without too much difficulty before taking the initiative in a counter attack resulting in a penalty corner, which Snuggs converted in the bottom corner.

Witney continued to press but Rudolph and Humphreys at the back looked in control and started to build possession through Trailor and JP, causing the home side lots of problems. Brown capitalised on the Thame pressure lifting the ball over the keeper from close range to give Thame a 2-0 lead at the interval.

Witney showed intent from the start in the second half but Thame looked in control. Possession in midfield from Birkett and Sawrey-Cookson began to frustrate Witney resulting in a number of fouls leaving the umpire no choice but to sin-bin a Witney player. Merrick was soon on hand and converted another well-worked move to give the visitors their third.

Witney, back to full strength, pulled a goal back after some sloppy Thame defending, giving them a glimmer of hope. Thame then put the game to bed when a foot on the line gave them a penalty stroke, which was converted by Birkett. Witney pulled one more back in the dying minutes to give a score line that flattered the home side who made few chances.

LADIES

Thame 1st XI 6 ? 0 Phoenix and Ranelagh XI

LAST week saw Thame Ladies 1sts travel to Reading to play an experienced Pheonix and Ranelagh team. Thame arrived with a full strength team including a couple of new talented players.

Despite very poor pitch conditions, Thame totally dominated possession with accurate mid-field passing between Lynch, Corby and Dawson pulling out the Pheonix and Ranelagh team allowing the very capable Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes space to put away two early goals.

The home team goalkeeper worked exceptionally hard and kept them in the game with some very impressive saves. Mia Burrow made a remarkable debut appearance as Left Forward, constantly testing the keeper with her back post positioning and quick reactions.

Vikki Dawson led Thame into a three nil lead at half time with a well-worked move down the left. P&R regrouped at half time and began with a few penetrating attacks down the centre of the pitch which were superbly defended by the Williamson & Alexander duo at the back.

Thame continued their relentless pressure and were awarded with one more goal and a penalty flick accurately taken by Greenwood-Hughes. Thames? scorecard was completed by Sawrey-Cookson with a lovely chip in from the right side making the final win 6-0.

Thame ladies train on Wednesday evenings at 8pm and welcome all new players.

LEAGUE MATCH – Tuesday, October 11 – Thame United 4, Fairford Town 1; MATCH REPORT – Contributed

THAME United moved up four league places, to 11th position at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening with a comfortable 4-1 win over Fairford Town. It was an entertaining game with Thame playing attractive flowing football, albeit against one of the league’s weaker teams.

United had the bulk of first half play, their first goal coming after 14 minutes play. James keeble hit a perfect long ball from inside the Thame half, over the heads of defenders, finding Aaron Rogers who calmly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper. Thame were looking sharp,and Alex Stewart, Adam Little and Rogers all went close. The second goal came five minutes before the break from a Dan West free kick which Sam Cowan headed in from close range at the far post.

The visitors came out fired up for the second half and where far more of a threat. Nevertheless it was Thame who, on 51 minutes increased their lead; once again via a West free kick. He hit a superb 40-yard ball which found the tall Stewart who headed in well, placing the ball beyond the reach of the keeper, from 10-Yards. Minutes later the visitors hit the post with a header. With 70 minutes played, Fairford got a consolation goal when Thame keeper Nick Bennion parried a strong shot but the ball fell to substitute James Keeler who finished from 15-yards. Thame?s final goal came 10 minutes before the final whistle. Rogers hit a low cross finding Matt Hall central, at the edge of the penalty area who set up West, whose well placed shot beat the hapless keeper.

Overall it was a competent Thame performance but they will face stiffer opposition next Saturday when third placed Binfield are the visitors.

Thame United: Bennion, Cowan (Ricketts), P Pykett (Gordon), Meredith, Steedman, Keeble, Little (Barr), West, Stewart, Rogers, Hall.

THE National Racketball Doubles are to be held at Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, on October 8-19, 2011; Sign up now!

Visit: http://racquets-fitness-centre.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Article&ID=307

LEAGUE GAME (away) – Saturday, October 8, Abingdon Town 1, Thame United 1. MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

THAME United returned with a point from Abingdon Town?s Culham Road Stadium on Saturday, having come back from behind to draw 1-1. It could have been so much worse as Abingdon created several good scoring chances in the first half, and if they had converted them would have been leading comfortably at half time.

James Keeble, recently signed from Chinnor, made his debut for Thame wearing the number nine shirt but playing in midfield.

Initial possession was fairly even but the home side were stronger in attack and hit the post after six minutes. In the early stages Thame were only playing with one striker, the hardworking Aaron Rogers, but as the game progressed he was joined up front by Dan West. Abingdon went close several times and the on-form Nick Bennion was kept far busier than the home keeper. Abingdon went ahead after 38 minutes when Phil Pykett was harshly judged to have handled the ball in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Striker Anacalet Odhiambo took the spot kick well, sending Bennion the wrong way.

Whatever was said at half time in the Thame dressing room worked, as they were far more effective in the second half. The first attack after the restart resulted in a good chance for West but his hurried shot was high. Then, three minutes later, United winger Matt Hall hit a powerful, quality, strike from 30-yards, which flew in off the underside of the crossbar. The roles were now reversed with Thame looking the more dangerous. Rogers was unlucky to see his shot tipped over by the home keeper. United were determined to get the winning goal and were unfortunate that the referee did not see two clear fouls in the box. Towards the end Alex MacDonald came on and United played with three strikers, but the score was still 1-1 when the final whistle blew.

The draw maintains United?s unbeaten away run and takes them up two places to 15th league position.

Thame United: Bennion, Little, P Pykett (MacDonald), Meredith, Steadman, Cowan, Connelly (Barr), West, Keeble, Rogers, Hall.

United have a series of home games coming up. They entertain Binfield on Saturday 16th, Kidlington on Tuesday 18th and Oxford City Nomads on Saturday 22nd.

BLUEFIN League Cup 1st Round – 4/10/11 – Thame United 1, Penn & Tylers Green 0. MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

THAME United progressed to the next round of the Bluefin League cup on Tuesday evening at the ASM stadium, by defeating Division 1 East club Penn & Tylers Green. The last time these teams met was in March 2010 in a league game at Penn. Thame, of course, went on to become Division 1 East champions and gained promotion, whilst a poor Penn team finished in last place. The team they fielded on Tuesday was a great improvement on the team seen 18 months ago which made for a close game with few chances at either end. The game saw the debut of recent signing, Adam Little, at right back.

United?s first real chance came after 20 minutes when an Alex Stewart cross was met by a diving header from Aaron Rogers, but the visiting keeper made a good save. The only goal of the match came after 32 minutes play. United mounted an attack on the right and a defender blocked a goal bound shot but the ball fell to the unmarked Stuart Barr who reacted quickly to fire home from 15-yards.

The second half saw some entertaining football from both teams with Ben Connelly providing United?s main threat on the right wing and interacting well with Rogers and Dan West. With 10 minutes remaining it was the on-form Connelly who came nearest to increasing the lead with a 20-yard shot which was just wide.

Thame United: Bennion (Barisic). Little, P Pykett, Meredith, Steadman, Cowan, Connelly, West, Stewart (MacDonald) Rogers, Barr.