Match Reports

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 13

Although Thame suffered a resounding defeat to Hazells by some 60 shots, they bounced back against Watlington, winning 68 shots to 55. Thame’s highest winning rink was played by Norman Hyde, Maire Duncan and skip, Bill Giles.

The ladies also beat Watlington on the following Tuesday, convincingly by 70 shots to 29 with the best rink being played by Sharon Heafey, Jill Brooks and skip, Deidre Page. The mixed team on Saturday 14^th August won in a nail biting friendly against Tring with a 70 shots to 69 scoreline. The highest winning rink was played by Jane Kimber, Geoff Roynon and skip, John Walker.

The men’s Oxfordshire and District League team had a walkover when Bloxham withdrew their team and Thame were granted 6 points and a 20 shot win. This allowed them to consolidate their second place in the League with just one match remaining (against West Oxford) on Thursday 19^th August.

16.8.2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 12

Although the midweek match against Oxford City and County had to be cancelled, the quick, thinking Thame stalwarts hastily arranged a Club game between 30 willing members. Heather Hallchurch’s team eventually beat Jill Brooks’ side 75 – 40, with the highest winning rink played by Bob Champion, Jackie Emberson and skip, John Walker but the whole afternoon went very well, culminating in a cream tea!

The men bounced back in the Oxfordshire and District Men’s League game against Oxford City and County taking 5 points to Oxford’s 1 in an 83 shots to 46 victory. This win takes them back up to second in the League with just two matches left. The highest winning rink was played by Leonard Grimshaw, Colin Feltham, John Rawson and skip Chris Shannon.

The friendly match against Bicester on Saturday 7^th August finished with another defeat for Thame 63 shots to 99 and showed, not for the first time, that although Thame have a number of very willing players, they lack experienced skips. This with greater game time and coaching where necessary will inevitably lead to better results. The best rink was played by Keith Brooks, Jane Kimber and skip Gordon Taylor.

9.8.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 11

Unfortunately, both friendly games played during the week were defeats with Didcot beating Thame by 72 shots to 54 and Abingdon thrashing Thame 78 shots to 39. The best rink against Didcot was played by Deidre Page, Mike Zakaszewski and skip Jackie Emberson. There was no winning rink for Thame against Abingdon. The details of the friendly (almost waterlogged) game against Hazells will be covered in the next report.

There was no Oxfordshire and District men’s league match this week for Thame but Chipping Norton and West Oxford both took advantage going above Thame in the league table, who dropped to fourth. All three teams have played nine games and there is only one point between them with Charlbury well clear at the top of the table.

The popular Friday League continues every week (despite the weather) and a separate details page is included on the website showing the scores and league tables.

The final of the Paul Heafey Cup will take place on Tuesday 3^rd August at 5.45 pm.

2.8.2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 10

The two late reports from the previous week resulted in heavy defeats in the Hawker Cup (to Adderbury) and in a friendly with Chessvale by 35 shots to 81 but the ladies bounced back on Monday 19th July against Hazells with a good win by 45 shots to 34. The highest winning rink was played by Gini Williams, Brenda Waters and skip Barbara Waters.

The friendly against Loudwater was also a defeat by 33 shots to 45 but the best winning rink was played by Brenda Waters (again), Roger Blackburn and skip John Walker.

The men’s Oxfordshire League game against Chipping Norton, was a very close affair with ‘Chippy’ winning by 74 shots to 65. Thame’s highest winning rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Les Canfield, Jesse Matthews and skip, Graham Watson. Thame took 2 points and after 9 games are still second in the League table.

The final match of the week was a long awaited friendly game against a strong Gerrards Cross side who demolished Thame by 103 shots to 59. The match against Wendover had to be cancelled as they have a positive Covid infection amongst their players.

26.7.2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 9

The ladies of Thame Bowls Club had a fine win over Wendover on Monday last by 69 shots to 39. The highest scoring rink was played by Ann Ashfield, Heather Hallchurch and skip Frances Goodyear. The men however on the same day, just failed in their League Cup match against a League 2 Witney Mills team going down 62 – 69. Their highest scoring rink was John Ashfield, Adrian Wilcox, Ian Rutherford and skip Bill Giles.

The day before a strong ladies team beat Banbury Borough in the Top Club quarter final by 8 shots overall and now play Witney Town in the semi final on 29^th August. Supporters will be very welcome.

The match on Thursday saw the Men’s League team take on top of the table, Charlbury away from home and a very closely fought contest finished 66 shots to 70 for Charlbury. Thame held on to their second place however and now have just 4 matches remaining. The highest winning rink was played by Ian Rutherford, Mike Ralls, Jonathan Dadson and skip Bill Giles.

The details of the Hawker Cup and the friendly match against Chess Vale will be included in the next news report. The Paul Heafey Cup, the annual competition for new and nearly new bowlers will start on Tuesday 20^th July and will run for three weeks. This year there are 8 entrants who will play a pairs competition over 5 ends each session starting at 5.45 pm.

19.7.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 8

Thame Ladies got back to their winning ways last week with a good result over Watlington by 65 shots to 32 with the best rink played by Heather Hallchurch, Maire Duncan and skip Jill Brooks. The men’s league team however did not fare so well by going down 48 shots to 72 against Woodstock giving them just 1 league point. They stayed in second place however and are hoping to do much better this Thursday against Charlbury who currently top the table. The best rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Les Canfield, Jesse Matthews and skip Graham Watson.

The mixed match on Saturday against Maidenhead Town was close but Thame lost out 52 shots to 56. Thame’s best rink was played by Keith Brooks, Frances Goodyear and skip Jesse Matthews.

The Purser Cup was played on Sunday 11^th July and proved more exciting than the European Football Final at Wembley. 24 players were divided in to 8 triples teams, split into two leagues of four. Each then played three matches, to determine a winner of each league.

Dark clouds descended on the green just as the 6 end final began (where is a weather man when you need one?).

The teams in the final were Mike Zak, Janet Shannon, & Keith Brooks verses Dave Holland, Sandra French, & Gini Williams. Just like the football final, it was a draw, 3 each after 6 ends, and after going on to an extra end, there was a nail-biting finish with Team D winning by the one shot.

Well done, Mike, Janet, & Keith.

An excellent afternoon of bowls, with great friendship, good humour and many inexperienced bowlers putting in excellent performances. Thank you to all who took part and thanks Bill, rain only started as the final finished. Adrian Wilcox, Competitions Secretary.

And finally, the ladies who represented Thame in the National Competitions unfortunately did not progress further than the quarter finals with Heather Hallchurch, Sharon Heafey and Liz Kemish losing out to Banbury Central.

12.7.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 7

Another busy week at the Bowls Club, started with a Ladies match against South Oxford which finished 33 shots to 45. The best rink was played by Brenda Waters, Marion Keal and skip Frances Goodyear.

The mixed match on Wednesday was another defeat 58 shots to 66 against Didcot but the men’s League match against West Oxford on the following day saw a fine win by 67 shots to 61. This gave the team 5 points and took them up to second in the League table, just 2.5 points behind Charlbury. The best rink was played by Vic Webb, Les Canfield, Jesse Matthews and skip (and League Captain) Graham Watson.

The weekend featured two mixed matches, the first against High Wycombe finished 98 shots for both sides, an honourable draw after an earlier season defeat by 33 shots. The draw only came about when Thame dropped four shots on the final rink. The Sunday match v. Wendover was a comprehensive win by 103 shots to 71.

Three of Thame’s ladies have entered the National Triples and have acquitted themselves very well. Heather Hallchurch, Sharon Heafey and Liz Kemish beat Sheila Lovetts team from West Witney in the first round on Monday 14^th June 17-7 and then the second round on Monday 28th saw them battle against Angela Ives team from Banbury Borough. They fought back from 7-2 down after 5 ends to get it back all square at 10 ends and they finally won 13-11. The next round is against very tough competition in the shape of Caroline Campion's team at Banbury Central on Friday 9th at 6pm.

The Ladies Top Club competition will also start next week on 11 July against Banbury Borough.

5.7.2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 6

Another busy week with mixed matches against Loudwater and Hagbourne and men’s matches against Witney Town and Bloxham. The Loudwater game was a heavy defeat 27 shots to 59 and the Hagbourne game, although much closer, was still a defeat by 47 shots to 69. Thame’s best rink was Brenda Waters, Jill Brooks and skip Jesse Matthews.

The Witney Town match was part of the Oxfordshire Bowls League Cup, and Thame won by 2 shots (68 – 66) with a nailbiting last end. Thame’s best rink was played by Adrian Wilcox, Roger Blackburn, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Ray Plested. The win was all the more creditable as Witney are in Division 2 and Thame in Division 3. The draw for the next round will take place shortly.

The League match against Bloxham saw Thame run out easy winners by 94 shots to 35 giving them 6 points in the League. The best rink was played by John Ashfield, Peter Gibbons, Ian Rutherford and skip Bill Giles with a 21 shot winning margin.

The game against Woodstock was cancelled through lack of support.

28.6.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news 5

After several scorching days, the rains arrived and Thame have had to adapt to this very different climate. The friendly against Waddesdon saw a narrow defeat 57 – 63 with the highest winning rink played by Deidre Page, Jill Brooks and skip (and Captain) Gordon Taylor.

The men’s league match against Oxford City and County B team was a win by 70 shots to 59 giving them 5 points to 1 and moving them up to third place. Their best rink was played by Ian Rutherford, Mike Ralls, Jesse Matthews and skip Bill Giles.

The second round of the Norfolk Cup against South Oxford the following day, had to be postponed because of the wet weather and a new date is to be arranged.

Two friendly matches against High Wycombe and Princes Risborough over the weekend gave completely different results; almost a whitewash 79 – 112 against High Wycombe with Jackie Emberson, Alan Smith (a guest) and Les Canfield playing the best Thame rink. The match against Princes Risborough gave Thame a win 54 – 45 with the best rink played by David Hickman, Roger Blackburn and skip Barbara Waters.

The coming week will see the start of the Tuesday night rollups for new bowlers with the Club’s coaches on hand to give guidance where necessary and also the Club’s Friday Night League, where all of the members can enjoy a short evening of bowls followed by a long (socially distanced) evening of alcohol.

21.6.21

Thame Bowls weekly match report 4

Thame have once again had mixed fortunes during the last seven days. A disappointing result 57 – 88 in an enjoyable game against Oxford City and County on Monday was followed by a very good win 64 – 61 against South Oxford in the Norfolk Cup on Friday. The Norfolk Cup is a long standing annual competition against old friends, South Oxford, held on a home and away basis. The second leg will held at the South Oxford green on Friday 18 June.

The two weekend games, both at home, were split between a heavy loss to a strong Bicester side 53 – 116 and a good win against Gerrards Cross 61 – 57. Thame’s best rink against Bicester was played by Norman Hyde, Frances Goodyear and skip (and Captain) Bill Giles. The best rink against Gerrards Cross was played by Maire Duncan, David Holland and skip Bill Giles (again).

The Tuesday evening sessions for new or newish bowlers will again get underway on 22 June from 5.30 pm. These are relaxed but structured sessions with the Club’s qualified coaches on hand to organise and give guidance on a one to one or a group basis. Some 16 people have already expressed an interest in these sessions which culminate in The Paul Heafey Cup (a competition for new bowlers) which this year will be held towards the end of July.

14.6.2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 3

Thame Ladies suffered a rare defeat on 2^nd June away at Princes Risborough by some 20 shots. The men’s League team however were strong winners on 3^rd June away at Chipping Norton. They finished winning by 66 shots to 55 giving them 5 league points against Chipping Norton’s 1 point. The highest winning rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Dave Holland, John Rawson and skip Chris Shannon.

The Saturday friendly match at home to Abingdon was another accomplished win on a gloriously sunny afternoon by 84 shots to 57. The best rink was played by Keith Brook, Marion Keal and skip Ray Plested.

The Sunday friendly match, also at home was a close encounter with a strong Chesham side who ran out winners by 76 shots to 59. The best Thame rink was played by Jan Sargeant, Adrian Wilcox and skip Ron Duncan.

Overall, Thame’s players are now beginning to find their feet again after such a long lay off and are all enjoying the exercise and as much of the social side as is possible at present.

The Friday League, the inhouse social evening, will start on 25^th June and is eagerly awaited by in excess of 70 Club Members. This increasingly popular night gives the members of whatever capability, a chance to play in a competitive but friendly atmosphere with an open bar and refreshments. Let us hope that the weather helps and the Covid rules are sufficiently relaxed to maximise the enjoyment.

7 June 2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 2

Unfortunately, Aston Clinton ladies had to cancel their match against Thame on 24^th May which meant that Thame will have to wait until 2^nd June for their next match. This will be away at Princes Risborough.

The men’s league game against Charlbury on 27^th May proved to be a second defeat by 78 shots to 62 giving Thame 1 point against Charlbury’s 5. Thame’s best rink was played by Adrian Wilcox, John Walker, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Ray Plested. The men are confident that they can bounce back from the initial two defeats however when they play away at Chipping Norton on 3^rd June.

The annual Whitsun Cup was played for on Bank Holiday Sunday 30^th May and some 16 members enjoyed a glorious afternoon in the sunshine. The semi finals were decided by clear margins, Team 1 beat Team 2 13 – 5 and Team 4 beat Team 3 15 – 7 but the final was much closer with Team 1 (Colin Feltham, Ken Lewis, Kevin Sharman and skip Heather Hallchurch) winning over Team 4 (Gini Williams, Roger Blackburn, Deidre Page and skip Jane Kimber) by 13 shots to 11. Chairman Bill Giles presented the first trophy of the season to the winning team, Everyone enjoyed the afternoon and thanks go to Adrian Wilcox for its organisation.

Matches will start to come thick and fast from now on provided the Covid rules are relaxed at the next important date.

2.6.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly match report 1.

Thame Bowls Club has restarted playing this year after a very lengthy pause following the lockdowns of 2020. A number of hardy members were able to complete rollups last year with strict social distancing measures in place together with a multitude of cleaning rituals but it was not the same as playing in competitive matches.

The delay however enabled the brand, new clubhouse to be fully completed and with the green being exceptionally well preserved from both builders and weather by a few heroic volunteers led by Greenkeeper, Chris Shannon, the new season was eagerly anticipated by over 100 players.

The opening matches have all been away from home to date, so the new bar area has yet to be christened, but it will not be long before the members return to enjoy both the sport and the hospitality.

Thame ladies won their first match on 17^th May, against Hazells by 14 shots with the best rink played by Terri Blackburn, Jill Brooks and Deidre Page. The men’s league opened on 20^th May away at Woodstock and they lost by 54 shots to 61. Thame’s best rink was played by Vic Webb, Colin Feltham, John Ashfield and skip Adie Twinn.

The first mixed triples took place on Saturday 22^nd May away at Hagbourne despite the inclement weather and Thame narrowly lost by 52 shots to 54. The best rink was played by Colin Feltham, Deidre Page and skip, Ian Rutherford, so a good week for both Deidre and Colin. The Sunday match against Henley was cancelled.

So although a mixed beginning competitively, Thame’s bowlers are looking forward to a fine Summer of bowling in the months to come.

23^rd May 2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly report no. 20

The Green has now closed, as the Clubhouse is under refurbishment, and the final matches have all been played away from home. Unfortunately, the majority of these matches were defeats but there was a creditable draw with Oxford City and County 78 points apiece.

A heavy loss to Bassetsbury Manor 60 – 101 was followed by a good win over Cheddington 80 – 75 with the best rink played by Jane Kimber, Adrian Wilcox, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Bill Giles.

The final two matches were against Hazells (73 – 115) (highest winning rink Paul Youens, Marion Keal and Ray Plested) and a strong Marlow side (93 – 99) who were celebrating their Centenary season. Thame presented Marlow with an embroidered pennant to mark this superb achievement. Thame’s own centenary will (hopefully) be celebrated in 2024.

The Club’s AGM will be held on Monday 21^st October at the Chinnor Rugby Club.

Mike Ralls

23^rd September 2019

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 19

With all matches now being played away with the demise of the Clubhouse, it has been a difficult time for Thame’s bowlers. Two heavy defeats against Chessvale and Aston Clinton were followed by a defeat against Adderbury 55 – 75 and a loss against Bassetsbury Manor 43 – 93.

The best rinks against Adderbury were played by Keith Brooks, John Wheeler, Jill Brooks and Jesse Matthews and against Bassetsbury were played by Alfred Jochum, Frances Goodyear and Dave Holland.

The only saving grace was another win by Thame Ladies against High Wycombe 49 – 45 with the highest winning rink played by Marion Keal, Frances Goodyear and Sandy Webb. This completed the season for the ladies who have had only one loss and one draw throughout the season.

Now that the Clubhouse is being demolished, the Presentation Evening will be held at Chinnor Rugby Club on Friday September 20^th at 7pm and the AGM will be held on Monday October 21^st at Chinnor Rugby 6:30 for 7pm.

Mike Ralls

2 September 2019