Match Reports

Thame Bowls Club Weekly News Report No 7

Thame’s Men’s League team played Woodstock on Thursday, 30^th May and it proved to be a closely fought but even match which ended all square at 58 shots each. Both sides took 3 league points and cemented Thame’s position in 5^th place. The best rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Keith Brooks, John Rawson and skip Ian Rutherford who won 19 – 10.

On Wednesday 5^th June, the ladies had an away win at Cheddington by 58 shots to 51. The winning rink was Maggie Gibbons, Jan Sargeant and skip Ann Ashfield with a score of 24 – 15. It was a very close game but enjoyed by all.

The Centenary Match on Wednesday, 29^th May and Presidents Day on Saturday 1^st June will be subject to separate reports.

6.6.2024

Thame Bowls Club Weekly News Report No 6

On Sunday 19^th May, Thame were home to Henley and had lovely weather, with opponents friendly and gracious, the green looked good but unfortunately none of these helped the team to a win. Captain Colin French’s opposite captain, Andy sorted rinks and played separately but all rinks lost. Our best just lost out to a wide last bowl, wicking in to take the end and the game. Overall Thame 44 Henley 74. Colin said ‘My thanks to all who helped with the teas, laying out of the rinks, the raffle, the bar the clearing away and last but not least, the green team.

Thame Ladies played away at Aston Clinton on Monday 20^th May and won with a score of 43 - 28. Winning rink of 22- 11 was Philippa Feltham, Jan Sargeant, and skip Ann Ashfield (first time as skip for Ladies). The other rink included Jan Baker which was her first game for the ladies. All in all, an enjoyable, friendly match captained by Jill Brooks, together with glorious weather.

The Men’s League team took on the ex-division 1 side, Adderbury on Thursday 23^rd May and were well beaten. They lost by 95 shots to 38 and with no winning rink, giving Adderbury all 6 league points. The following day they took on South Oxford in the Norfolk Cup and were narrowly beaten by 89 shots to 78. Thame’s best rink was played by Adrian Wilcox, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Ray Plested who drew 18 shots all.

On Saturday 25^th May, Thame played their close neighbours, Long Crendon and went down 99 shots to 75 in a friendly and exciting match. The warm sunshine and generous crowd brought a holiday atmosphere to the afternoon and one group enjoyed afternoon tea under a parasol.

The Whitsun Trophy, scheduled for Sunday 26^th May has been postponed until 23^rd June in view of the rain forecast (which did arrive on time).

27.5.2024

Thame Bowls Club Weekly News Report No 2

Wednesday 24^th April was cold, overcast, and any sun that showed itself was nowhere enough to warm. Captain Tony and the teams from Princes Risborough, greeted us and made us welcome. Unfortunately, we lost again, but the shot difference this time, was slightly better, 99 against 64 for. We did have a winning rink again, so congratulations to skip John Holmes, no.2 Heather Hallchurch and lead Chris Roberts. Well done, and I hope it's just the weather that's keeping the rest of us from crossing the line ahead.

On an overcast late Spring afternoon, Saturday 27^th April, Thame entertained Maidenhead Thicket. Because of the weather the match, of 6 triples, was limited to 15 ends after which a cup of steaming hot tea (and some alcoholic refreshments) was very welcome. The game, captained by Chairman, Bill Giles, ended in a win for Thame by 98 shots to 60 with 4 winning rinks, a draw and one loss. The highest winning rink, by 25 shots to 9, was John Wilkinson, John Holmes and skip David White who was playing his first friendly match for the club.

Unfortunately, Waddesdon have been unable to get enough numbers for the match scheduled for Tuesday 30^th April so have had to cancel.

29.4.2024

Thame Bowls Club Weekly News Report No 1

Thame Bowls Club opened its Centenary Year’s season of matches on Thursday 18th April, following a most encouraging number of members, the week before, assembled to prepare the Green and surrounds.

The first match was eagerly awaited and new Midweek Captain, Colin French had no shortage of volunteers to play. It was a shame that the first game was scheduled to be away at Chessvale on their all-weather green with the usual cold wind blowing down the valley. However, the welcome was as warm as ever and although the overall score finished 108 to 63 in favour of the home side, Colin (ably supported by Pauline Holmes and Chris Shannon) had a winning start to the campaign on his rink. He offered his thanks to all who played and apologised to Jenny Reed who, although left behind at the Clubhouse, still made the venue on time.

‘We will be back on grass for our next few matches, so no excuses’.

On Sunday 21^st April, there was a good win for our first home match of the season against a very strong Marlow side, winning 4 of the six rinks. The final score 99 to Thame 84 to Marlow. The weather turned very cold towards the end of the match, but a few hardy souls still showed off our new centenary club shirts while the rest of us were cocooned in anoraks. Our top rink with a great score of 21-3 was Adrian Wilcox, Norman Hyde, and Jan Sargeant. A great start to the new season. Sunday Captain Roger Blackburn said, ‘thanks to all that turned out to play and to the spectators who braved the cold, much appreciated’.

23.4.2024

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 21.

On Tuesday 12 September, Thame captained by Gordon Taylor, had good news! They won the game against Bassetsbury Manor by 60 shots to 55; they won 2 rinks, lost on 2 rinks with one drawn. The best winning rink was Alfred Jochum, Keith Brooks, and Geoff Roynon.

On a pleasantly warm afternoon on Saturday 16 September, Thame hosted a friendly match, captained by Bill Giles, against Cheddington Bowls Club. Four triples played out a very close game with both sides winning on 2 rinks. However, Cheddington ran out winners by 70 shots to 65. Thame's top rink was John Wilkinson, Mike Hants and skip Sharon Heafey by 28 shots to 9.

The day started well on 17 September, as Thame arrived at Hazells for the last Sunday away game of the season, but the heavens soon opened and the rain poured down, delaying the start by 40 minutes. The game was subsequently shortened to 15 ends. The going was hard on a very wet green and bowls of water were supplied at the end of the rinks to wash and clean the woods after every end. At 10 ends Thame was leading by 49 shots to 39 but it all went downhill after that and Hazells turned out winners after 15 ends by 78 shots to 64. Top rink for Thame was Mike Zakaszewski, Pauline Holmes and skip Jill Brooks by 19 shots to 11.

Captain Bill Giles said ‘I would like to thank all the members who put their names down to play on Sundays making it much easier for us to fulfil all our fixtures’.

18.9.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 20.

The last ladies match of the season on Tuesday 5th September was the first-time playing Amersham Ladies.  We managed to complete 18 ends in spite of the very hot weather and a few wilting players.
A very close match but a win for Thame ladies of 51 - 44.  We had a draw on one rink and a win on two.  Top rink was Diane Mackriell, Ann Ashfield and skip Caroline Walker with a score of 17 - 12.  Captain Jill Brooks said, ‘Well done ladies and thank you all for your support and help through the season’.

The weekend of 9^th and 10^th September was for Competition Finals, and these are covered separately.

13.9.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 19.

The mixed friendly on Tuesday 29 August at home between Thame and Aston Clinton was a very close game and ended Thame 58 Aston Clinton 59. Although it finished two rinks each Thame’s best rink featured Pauline Holmes, Keith Brooks and skip, Barbara Waters with Gordon Taylor as Captain.

The match between the ladies and High Wycombe due on the 30th of August was cancelled by Wycombe because they could not get a team.  Instead, it was decided to play a roll up of triples and a pairs for the ladies of Thame that were due to play in the match. Afterwards we had a get together with tea and cakes.

Ladies v Gents - Sponsors Evening - 1st September.

The very competitive annual event of Ladies v Gents took place on Friday 1st September on a warm and dry evening.  The match consisted of 24 ladies, captained by Jill Brooks and 24 men, captained by John Rawson with 6 teams of rinks playing 10 ends. In previous years the men have beaten the ladies on several occasions.  This year the match was a resounding success for the ladies, winning on 4 rinks and a draw on one, resulting in an overall score of 73 to 41.  (Condolences to the gents). The top rink, with a score of 18 - 2, consisted of Philippa Feltham, Hilary Devaney, Pat Munday and skip Barbara Waters.  Afterwards we all enjoyed a buffet and a drink or two!!  Thank you to the organisers, players, spectators, and sponsors for making this a successful and enjoyable event. 

The Gents captain John Rawson handing over the trophy to the Ladies captain Jill Brooks

The Potter Cup held on the 27 August has a separate report. Click here to view it.

4. 9. 2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 18

Long Crendon brought a strong team to Thame on Saturday 19 August and although Thame had two winning rinks three others lost quite heavily and the visitors ran out winners by 75 shots to 122. Top winning rink for Thame was Ray Lewin, Jesse Matthews and skip Mike Ralls; the Captain was Bill Giles.

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Tuesday 22 August, the ladies played away at Aylesbury Town, a very friendly and enjoyable match was had by all, even though we lost on all 4 triples with a score of 41 - 79.  The lowest losing rink was new member Pauline Holmes playing her first ladies match, Heather Hallchurch & Jill Brooks with a score of 12 - 14. 

On Thursday 24 August, Thame played Chessvale at home and although it was a good game, Thame lost 67 to 74. The Captain was Gordon Taylor, and the highest winning rink was played by Gini Williams, Barbara Waters and skip, Roger Blackburn.

28.8.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 17.

Thame Ladies had another match cancelled because of the rain against Watlington on 8^th August.

On Saturday the 12^th we played a very enjoyable 4 triples match in rather cool and cloudy conditions against Tring, retreating to the clubhouse early to avoid a heavy rainstorm that swept in to end proceedings rather abruptly. At close of play Thame were still 5 points ahead in the match, with Ray Lewin and Deirdre Page helping the Captain Chris Shannon, achieve the best rink on the day, with their table also mopping up all the raffle prizes (clearly Brooksie wasn’t playing!). Our thanks to everyone who took part and provided transport.

On Sunday 13^th, a cloudy but quite warm afternoon, Thame entertained our friends from South Oxford. The game was very close and competitive with the visitors running out winners by 91 shots to 78. Thame's highest winning rink by 24 shots to 15 was Sandra French, Norman Hyde and skip Caroline Walker. With 4 reserves our President, Les Canfield, hosted a pairs match with Byron Harvey, Ian Griffiths and Roger Mackriell on rink 1.

15.8.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 16.

Despite the ‘summer’ rain Thame Ladies managed to play 11 ends on Wednesday 2^nd August at home against Wendover with a win on all 3 rinks and a score of 32 - 18.  The top rink, with a great score of 14 - 4, was Maggie Gibbons, Gini Williams and skip Maire Duncan.  Captain Jill Brooks said, ‘Well done ladies and thank you for your help’.

Thame’s men on the 3^{rd of} August had a great win against bottom of the table Blackbird Leys with a score of 97 – 39. They took 6 league points and waited with bated breath to learn the results of the other matches that evening. Woodstock who had been the League leaders for most of the season had a nervous last game against Chipping Norton with both teams finishing on 65 shots. Chippy won three rinks so took 4 points to Woodstock’s 2. Bicester who had been vying with Thame for second place throughout the season beat Oxford City and County and took 5 points but that was not enough to catch Thame and the final placings put Woodstock and Thame level at the top on 39.5 points each. Woodstock kept first place however as their accumulated shot difference for the whole season (95.5) was greater than Thame (73.25) but both teams are promoted to Division 2 for next year. A valiant effort for John Rawson’s team and Ian Rutherford’s rink with Geoff Roynon, Keith Brooks and Graham Watson all contributing magnificently, won with a score of 38 – 5, one of the highest of the season throughout all divisions.

The friendly match against Bicester scheduled for Saturday 5^th August was cancelled because of rain.

7.8.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 15

Thame welcomed Didcot at home on Wednesday 26 July and extended their hospitality by conceding defeat 102 shots to 77. Thame’s best performing rink was played by Pete Southam, Jill Brooks and skip, John Hurley.

The men’s Oxfordshire Bowls League team played away on the following evening at Bicester, who were one place above them in the league table and after a nail-biting match, they ran out winners by 58 shots to 56. As Thame won on three out of four rinks, they took 5 points to Bicester’s 1 and moved up to second place. Ray Plested had all the pressure on the final end with scores level but won by one shot. Thame’s best performing rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Keith Brooks, Graham Watson and skip Ian Rutherford who won 19 – 10 and they now need a good result on 3 August against Blackbird Leys, to gain promotion.

On a typical English summer's afternoon of wind and rain, on Sunday 30^th, Thame entertained Abingdon Bowls Club. Dressed like explorers visiting the North Pole made the wet conditions difficult to control the woods and the game was prematurely ended after 14 ends with Abingdon winners by 71 shots to 63. The highest winning rink for Thame was on rink 6 with Sandra French, Jill Brooks and skip David Holland with an 18 to 8 shot victory. The weather didn't dampen the spirits of either team and a great, though thoroughly wet time, was had by all.

31.7.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 14

Thame played a rearranged, mixed, friendly against Loudwater on Thursday 13 July and suffered a heavy defeat 91 shots to 45. Captain Gordon Taylor was also the best performing skip alongside Gini Williams and Alfred Jochum.

The men however had a convincing win against league leaders, Woodstock in the Oxfordshire Bowls League match on Thursday 20 July by 60 shots to 53. This gave them 4.5 points against Woodstock’s 1.5 and although they retained third place, are now only 4 points behind the leaders and 3.5 points behind Bicester in second place. Thame’s best rink was played by Ray Lewin, Mel Warner, Les Canfield and skip Chris Shannon who won 23 points to 9. There are now only two matches left against Bicester away, on 27 July and Blackbird Leys on 3 August at home.

The Purser Cup that had been swiftly rearranged by Competitions Secretary, Adrian Wilcox, for Saturday 22 July, after postponement on 9 July, unfortunately had to be delayed again because of wet and windy weather. A new date is yet to be agreed.

On Sunday, we welcomed Wendover with 6 rinks of triples in operation.  Wendover had one late cry off, so Keith Brooks agreed to play for them, which he did annoying well to give a good score for Wendover. We were holding our own until a heavy shower approximately halfway through drove us off the rink. It all seemed to go downhill afterwards with an overall score of 77 to Thame and 120 to Wendover. We did however have one winning rink Dave Holland, Terri Blackburn and Gini Williams who won by 17 points to 13. Captain Roger Blackburn said ‘overall, a very pleasant atmosphere and despite the rain everybody seemed to enjoy it.’

26.7.2023