Match Reports

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter 9

Under leaden skies our Sunday team played at Princes Risborough on June 19th. At half time, when tea and biscuits were served, four out of our five triples were hoping that the expression "it all changes after tea" was correct but sadly it was not to be and as the rain came down Risborough won by 51 shots to 102.Only rink 6, consisting of Gini Williams, Jill Brooks and skip Norman Hyde,  didn't lose to the opposition and although losing 1 on the last end ended with a creditable draw. One bright note was that Diane Mackriell played her first match for the club and bowled very well.

The following Tuesday on an enjoyable but very hot afternoon, Thame lost to Loudwater by 47 shots to 55. Top rink for Thame was played by Ian Griffiths, Keith Brooks and skip Les Canfield.

On Thursday the Men’s League team went down by 80 shots to 51 against a very strong Kidlington team who after securing 6 points are now 2^nd in the League. Thame remain in 5^th place and although losing on all four rinks, Bill Giles’ men lost by just one shot.

26.6.2022

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter 8

On Sunday 12 June, a day when the sun appeared from the clouds from time to time, so did the fortunes of Thame Bowls Club, playing a friendly against Gerrards Cross with all six rinks being used. The green bowled beautifully and although Thame won on two rinks and drew on a third Gerrards Cross ran out winners by 106 shots to 91. We look forward to avenging that defeat when we travel to Gerrards Cross on Saturday 23 July.

The mixed game on the following Tuesday against Waddesdon away, proved to be a disappointing defeat by 77 shots to 41. The game wasn’t as friendly as the usual midweek fixtures and even a cup of tea proved difficult to obtain in very hot conditions. The best Thame triple was played by June Greene, Colin French and skip, Frances Goodyear.

The men’s League match against Charlbury on Thursday at home did not go the same way as the earlier Cup match and Charlbury won by 70 shots to 50. Charlbury took 4.5 points and Thame 1.5 courtesy of the win by Vic Webb, Dave Holland, Jonathan Dadson and skip, Ray Plested and the draw by Kevin Sharman, Keith Brooks, John Rawson and Chris Shannon. This leaves Thame in 5^th place but it is still early days.

The weekend game on Saturday 18^th June finished Thame 71 and High Wycombe 84. It was a very close game with Thame winning on three rinks and one being halved and the top rink was played by Tom Devaney, Geoff Roynon and Caroline Walker.

20.6.2022

Thame Bowls Weekly Newsletter 7

As the mixed friendly game against City and County on 6 June was cancelled, an inter club roll up was organised by Jane Kimber. 21 players took part in 6 teams [ 3 players shared] who played each team once. A long and pleasant afternoon and into the evening! The competition was won by John Hurley, Marion Keal and John Walker. The after-match cream teas were much appreciated and rounded off the weekend Jubilee Celebrations. Thanks to all who took part.

Thame’s men played their second League fixture on 9 June and this time they were thumped 85 shots to 43 by City and County A. This meant conceding 6 points to the opposition and leaves them in 5^th place. Although Thame had no winning rink, John Walker, Dave Holland, Leonard Grimshaw and Ray Plested lost by only 3 shots.

The mixed friendly against Bicester on Saturday 11 June was a resounding win! Thame 81 Bicester 79, in a very competitive game played in bright sunshine. Thame went 4 shots ahead with the final ends on 2 rinks still playing. Skip Gordon Taylor dropped 5 shots on the 17th end but the last bowl on the final end secured one point. The top rink was played by Norman Hyde, Geoff Roynon and David Holland. The Saturday and Sunday teams have now won 5 weekend matches which equals the total number of wins for last season.

13 June 2022

Thame Bowls Weekly Newsletter 6

A busy week leading up to the Platinum Jubilee Weekend started with a win for Thame Ladies against Princes Risborough by 42 shots to 29. Risboro’ could unfortunately only field two rinks and the best Thame rink was played by Maire Duncan, Jill Brooks and skip Barbara Waters.

Thame’s men opened their Oxfordshire League campaign with a great win over an experienced Bicester team by 78 shots to 60. Three skips, Bill Giles, Ian Rutherford and Ray Plested, won their games, and Team Captain, John Rawson was only narrowly beaten. Ian’s team of Geoff Roynon, Dave Hickman and Jesse Matthews scored 23 shots to 7. This win gave Thame 5 points against Bicester’s 1 in the League table.

The Jubilee weekend game against Abingdon was postponed and was replaced by a Platinum Jubilee full day described below.

On a dull but dry Sunday afternoon 36 members from Thame Bowls Club, many wearing white, red and blue, played out 12 ends of bowling to an amended, Aussie Triple Rules. Each team member played in all three positions, Lead, Two and Skip for 4 ends to the enjoyment of all. After the match they joined other non-playing club members to enjoy a wonderful ploughman's supper consisting of bread, cheese, pate and a superb helping of coronation chicken. The beautiful table decorations and meal was organised by our social secretary, Jo Green with loads of helpers from the club. Our President, Gordon Taylor, gave a vote of thanks to Jo and her team followed by a toast to Her Majesty The Queen.

After the meal was cleared away, the entertainment for the evening started - John Hurley's Horse racing. Les Canfield and Sandra French duly took charge of the races where people placed bets on which horse would win. After 8 races everyone was exhausted before helping to clear away the tables and chairs so that normal service in the Clubhouse could return on Monday.

I would like to thank everyone who attended to make it a joyous evening-to those who helped behind the scenes and especially to John Walker and the bar staff who kept us all refreshed.

A great day to celebrate a great lady.

Bill Giles

Chairman 

6.6.2022

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Newsletter 5

Although there were only two matches against other Clubs this week, the Club was still very busy with the final round of the three round Midweek Cup and the one-off Whitsun Cup.

Thame Ladies lost a narrow game against Aston Clinton Ladies by 26 shots to 31. Thame’s best rink was played by Terri Blackburn, Deirdre Page and skip Barbara Waters.

The mixed Saturday squad were heavily beaten by Long Crendon by 59 shots to 103 with no winning rink but it was a friendly occasion, meeting up with some old acquaintances.

The Whitsun Cup and the Midweek Cup reports are covered separately.

31 May 2022

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Newsletter 4

Thame Ladies lost their match against Hazells last week by 38 shots to 50 but Jan Sargent, Deirdre Page and Marion Keal excelled in winning their rink by 18 – 11.

The mixed game against Hagbourne had to be cancelled by the opposition and an impromptu game for the Thame players took place instead. A good time was had by all.

On a beautiful Spring Day beside the flowing river Thames, on Sunday, Thame Bowls Club took on Henley. The atmosphere was electric with the band playing just across the way. Our hosts made us very welcome and then proceeded to beat us by 92 shots to 74. Thame had two of the five winning rinks with rink 5 consisting of Colin French, Roger Mackriell and skip David Holland, Thame’s highest winning rink by 17 shots to 13. We look forward to hosting Henley Bowls Club on Sunday 21 August.

The Midweek Cup opened on Tuesday last and will be run over three consecutive Tuesdays. The results will be published in due course.

24 May 2022

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Newsletter 3

Thame Ladies bounced back from their disappointing first game, with a convincing win over South Oxford Ladies 71 – 35. Thame’s best rink was played by Ann Ashfield, Jill Brooks and skip, Heather Hallchurch who won 24 – 11.

The mixed friendly away at Amersham was another victory for Thame in a very close match by 67 shots to 62. Thame’s best rink was played by Bill Giles, Colin French and Frances Goodyear.

The Men’s second round League Cup match away at Headington unfortunately ended in a defeat for Thame so it is on to the League fixtures in Division 2 for the men. These start on Thursday 2 June with a home match against Bicester and run every Thursday throughout the season although there is an away fixture on Friday 27 May against South Oxford for the Norfolk Cup.

The Saturday mixed friendly match versus Adderbury proved to be a home defeat for Thame by 49 shots to 88 in very warm summery conditions. Thame won on one rink though played by Marion Keal, Mike Ralls and skip Les Canfield.

The wet gear was in evidence at Winslow on Sunday 15 May with rain on and off throughout the afternoon. Thame bowled well on a very pleasant green and ended up winners by 84 shots to 40 with all the triples winning. Three rinks were in the frame for highest winning rink but it turned out to be Roger Blackburn, Norman Hyde and Skip, Ian Rutherford, who came very close to getting a hot shot, and eventually winning by 26 shots to 10. The afternoon ended with some refreshments which will be reciprocated when Winslow visit Thame in 2023.

16 May 2022

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Newsletter 2

Regrettably Thame suffered a heavy defeat in a mixed friendly against Waddesdon on Tuesday 3 May, but the men bounced back on the following Thursday with a win against a strong Charlbury side. This was an Oxford and District Bowls League Cup match, with Thame only losing on one rink (and that by two shots) finishing 77 shots to 53. The best performing rink was played by Ray Plested’s team who won 25 – 7. The next round will be played on Thursday 12 May away at Headington.

The ladies first match of the season saw a defeat to Princes Risborough 30 – 58 and Thame’s best rink was played by Terri Blackburn, Maire Duncan and skip Barbara Waters, who only lost by one shot on the last end after leading all afternoon.

On Sunday 8 May, a beautiful sunny spring day, Thame entertained Watlington. They played 5 triples with Alfred Jochum "volunteering" to play for Watlington who were one player short. It was a very close and enjoyable game with Thame running out winners by 74 shots to 70. Highest winning rink by 17 shots to 10 were Adrian Wilcox, Jill Brooks and skip Bill Giles.

9 May 2022

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Newsletter 1

The weather was fine for the first game of the season against a strong Marlow side. Of the four triples played, three were very close, within a point or two of each other but sad to say Marlow ran out winners 72 shots to 44. Such was the enthusiasm from Thame that we had a further 6 bowlers playing each other in a triples game which was won by Norman Hyde's team by 14 shots to 12. 

Much praise was given to the green staff for the surface which bowled very well for this time in the early season. So, a disappointing start to the season with the result, but a magnificent start with 22 members putting their names down to bowl.

The second match, a friendly against Princes Risborough, also finished in a defeat for Thame by 91 shots to 70 on a bitterly cold afternoon. John Walker stood in as Captain for Jane Kimber and the best performing rink for Thame was played by Kevin Sharman, Heather Hallchurch and skip, Frances Goodyear.

Saturday’s game against Maidenhead Thickett was played in fine sunshine and proved to be Thame’s first win of the season. Maidenhead could only field four triples but were soon runaway leaders up to the halfway mark. Thame woke up though, turned the match round and finished winners by 81 shots to 59. The top rink for Thame was played by Norman Hyde, Heather Hallchurch and skip, John Rawson.

1^st May 2022

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report

The final game for 2021 was played on Wednesday 6 October and we were blessed with absolutely, perfect conditions-dry and sunny.

48 members took part with 2 reserves playing a variation of Aussie Pairs but this time rinks. Each of the twelve teams of 4 played 20 ends against another team where every 5 ends the team members changed positions. The first 5 ends of the game were played as normal with the lead, 2, 3 and skip. After 5 ends the skip became the lead, the lead number 2, the original 2 became the 3 and the 3 became the skip. After each 5 ends the whole team moved up one place so that by the end of 20 ends every team member had played in all four positions. 

It went down very well with all participants, with Team L, consisting of Ken Lewis, Peter Gibbons, Anne Ashfield and Barbara Waters ending up winners by scoring 27 shots.

A great afternoon bowling was had by all and ended with a drink and chat and yet another 100 square raffle.

A day to savour and remember-roll on 2022.

Bill Giles

7.10.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 18

A second friendly against Bassetsbury Manor was nearly a whitewash with Thame losing by 42 shots to 120 and this was followed by a far closer defeat against Hazells by 45 shots to 65. Thame’s best rink was played by Carsten Jochum, Jill Brooks and skip Gordon Taylor. The fixture against Cheddington had to be cancelled, so Thame held an impromptu interclub game between four teams and all players thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Thame beat Marlow on Thursday 23^rd September in a four triple match by 72 shots to 61 and the best rink was played by Chris Trainer, Deidre Page and skip Dave Holland. The other two rinks held another interclub game where Geoff Roynon’s team beat Gordon Taylor’s team 16 – 8 and Terry Emberson’s team beat Jill Brooks’ team 13 – 11.

26.09.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter 17

Now that the bowls season draws to a close, the number of volunteers for friendly games increases dramatically and the Captains are spoilt for choice. The Club is in the happy position of requesting that the number of rinks be increased for two of the final games with the more experienced skips being available, making a difference to the scores.

Thame were able to overturn the earlier defeat against Princes Risborough with a fine victory on 7^th September, by 84 shots to 81 in very hot conditions. The best rink was played by ‘man of the match’ Alfred Jochum, Roger Blackburn and skip Gordon Taylor.

Thame ladies excelled themselves to reach the County Top Club competition semi finals against Witney Town but alas, lost on three disciplines, with just Heather Hallchurch winning the singles match 21 – 18.

The Club held its Finals Weekend over 10^th, 11^th and 12^th September and a separate report will be made of the results.

13.09.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 16

A better week for Thame saw a rare win for the mixed side in a friendly against Aston Clinton on 31^st August and a very competitive Gents versus Ladies game on Friday 3^rd September finished with a narrow Gents victory. There were some 50 players taking part and Thame’s sponsors were invited to watch the match and enjoy the hospitality of a buffet and bar. All agreed that it was a fine advert for the Club and acted as a thank you to the sponsors who have given their support, especially over the last two difficult seasons.

The Ladies game against High Wycombe was cancelled by the opposition but the friendly against Adderbury proved to be a great game with a tight finish, going the way of Adderbury by 63 shots to 66. This was more galling as Thame had loaned two Club stalwarts, John Hurley and Norman Hyde, who apparently ‘acquitted themselves well’.

Thame Ladies will take part in the Top Club semi-final on Tuesday 7^th September at 10.00 am against Witney Town and spectators would be very welcome.

6.9.21

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 15

Thame suffered a number of heavy defeats over the past few days with the mixed teams having a 44 – 132 drubbing against Princes Risborough and a 57 – 107 rout against Henley. In the Henley game, Thame’s best rink was played by Norman Hyde, Sharon Heafey and skip Ron Duncan. The ladies also lost to Aylesbury Town by 48 shots to 72 but of the four sets of triples, Thame won two and lost two. Thame’s best rink was played by Sandra French, Janet Shannon and skip Jill Brooks. The match against Chessvale was cancelled.

Finally, the friendly against Aylesbury Town ended with another defeat by 58 shots to 62 with Thame’s best rink being played by Keith Brooks, Dave Holland and skip Bill Giles.

It has not all been doom and gloom however as Thame Ladies have reached the semi final of the Oxfordshire Ladies Top Club competition which will be a home match on Tuesday 7th Sept starting at 10:00am.

The entertaining and very sociable Friday League Club competition reached its climax on Friday last and a separate report has been made. There will also be a separate report on the Norfolk Cup second leg and the Potter Cup that was played on Sunday 29 August.

30.8.2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 14

The Oxford and District Men’s League finished for Thame on Thursday last and they secured second place by the tightest of margins. They lost to West Oxford by 1.5 points to 4.5 (61 shots to 73) on the night but that half of a point was just enough to finish above Chipping Norton. The best Thame rink was played by Dave Holland, Mike Ralls, Jonathan Dadson and skip Bill Giles. Charlbury came top by some way, but the rest of the sides were much closer and the whole season was competitive yet sociable. There may be some teams that drop out of the four divisions next year so an overhaul will take place during the winter months and Thame will have to wait before learning whether they are promoted.

The friendly triples match against Long Crendon finished in a defeat by 71 shots to 84 but Thame’s best rink was played by Terri Blackburn, Norman Hyde and skip Jesse Matthews. The match results against South Oxford, Princes Risborough and Henley are not yet in.

Presidents Day took place on 17^th August and a separate report has been included on the website.

23.8.21