Wednesday 1st July 2026
Well, it was a good day yesterday, England won their Knockout game, and Thame won their Bowls game against Didcot. The day warm, with a lovely breeze, Captain Ronnie welcomed us, rinks were chosen, Didcot won the toss and opted to take the mat. We were to play 18 ends with a hydration stop after 10 ends.
On rink 2 Dave Holland, Jan Sargeant, and Sandra French played well and were 13 each on end 17, so a one-shot win on the final end made the hard work worthwhile. Thame 14, Didcot 13. On rink 3 Colin French, Peter Dawe and Phil Boyle had a good win finding the green very much to their liking, and finished the game Thame 21, Didcot 5.
On rink 4 Tony Battaglia, David Slawson, and John Wilkinson played well and were ahead enough to fend off a fight back to win Thame 17 Didcot 11. On rink 5 Leonard Grimshaw, Philippa Feltham and Peter Hall played a good game fending off a late fight back to obtain a draw Thame 12 Didcot12. A final score of Thame 64 to Didcot 41, very well done to all teams on a very warm day.
Captain Colin French.
Thursday 2nd July 2026
Thame’s men played at home to Bloxham on a warm evening and ended up winning overall on three of the four rinks in a very close match. The highest scoring rink was played by Tony Battaglia, Dave Holland, Bill Giles and skip Dave White with a score of 21-11.
The end score was 68 to Thame and 54 to Bloxham giving Thame 5 League points to enable them to keep their place at the top of the League by 2.5 points with a shot difference of +163.
PURSER CUP SUNDAY 5 TH JULY
After some late changes of personnel, we managed to give everyone who signed up a most enjoyable, if warm, afternoons bowling. With Marion & Les sharing their matches, we had 25 players competing initially in two leagues. The late changes allowed two of our new bowlers – Graham & Pam Robinson to experience a competitive match for the first time – I thank all those who gave them some kindly advice during the afternoon – I am sure they will be a great addition to the club.
After 3 competitive matches there were 4 teams equal on match points, so the final was decided on total points scored. The final was between Team A - Tony Battaglia, Jenny Reed & Peter Dawe and Team F - Ken King, Marion Keal/Les Canfield John Wilkinson.
In a competitive but one sided final, Team A were the worthy winners and presented with their trophy by our President. I would like to thank all the players, some of whom listened to me, Phil Reed for his excellent scoring system, the bar staff and ladies who prepared the tea. If Adrian wants to pass this particular baton across next year, I am happy to do it.
David Hickman.
6 July 2026
It was a sunny and very warm afternoon when we welcomed the ladies from Wendover, for a match of two triples. Captains for the day – Jane (Wendover) and Wendy (Thame) agreed that we would play 14 ends rather than 18 due to the heat, which had the ladies seeking shade at every opportunity.
The green was in excellent condition, and Wendover established an early lead on both rinks. On rink 3, our team of Caroline Walker (skip), Pauline Prangle and Jill Brooks, managed to take the lead after 8 ends. Wendover came back in the final 4 ends to secure a one-shot victory, scoring 13 to Thame’s 12. On rink 4, the team of Carol Slawson, Jan Sargeant and Wendy Mannix didn’t quite manage to pull ahead, in spite of some excellent bowling by Jan Sargeant. Nevertheless, a score of 5 in the final end gave the home team a draw, 11 – 11. Overall score 24 – 23 to Wendover.
Although disappointing to lose by one point it was an enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to visiting Wendover for the return match later this month. Well done, all the ladies that played in the extremely warm conditions and thank you all for your support, which made the afternoon go smoothly.
Wendy Mannix (Joint) Ladies Vice Captain.
9.7.2026
