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Our new clubhouse completed Autumn 2020
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Weekly Match Report - 6th May

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Report 3

Thame Bowls Club have had a very busy week with 5 matches played in almost arctic conditions. The midweek team lost narrowly to Waddesdon 81 – 95 with the highest winning rink played by Jane Kimber, Marion Keal and Ian Rutherford.

Although the men’s League side were heavily defeated by Division 1 side, West Witney in the Oxfordshire League Cup, Thame’s ladies beat off a challenge from Princess Risborough by 46 points to 41. Their highest winning rink was played by Maureen Giles, Jill Brooks and Doreen Penn (19 – 6).

The two friendly games played over the weekend were both victories for Thame; 78 – 74 against Maidenhead Town (highest winning rink Carsten Jochum, Derek Goodyear and Ray Plested) and 81 – 74 against Watlington (highest winning rink Mike Sawyer, Jane Kimber and Bill Giles).

It has been very pleasing to note that in the last three weekend games, new bowlers have been part of the highest winning rinks and this bodes well for the future. The Club continues to seek new bowlers and are inviting anyone who may be interested, to join in every Tuesday evening during May from 6.00 pm; the only kit required is a pair of flat soled shoes.

Mike Ralls
06/05/2019

Weekly Match Report - 29th April

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Report 2

Thame Bowls Club played two friendly matches in the past week, losing away against a strong Princes Risborough team 64 points to 88 but winning away against Maidenhead Thicket by 95 points to 75. That match was played in the remnants of Storm Helena on a heavy green so the win was all the more commendable with the highest winning rink played by Roger Mackriell, Maureen Giles and skip Chris Shannon.

The Club also held their second Recruitment Day last Sunday and seven potential new bowlers came along to try the game. This number combined with the sixteen new faces attending the first day has shown a healthy response to the local advertisements and introductions made by existing members and augurs well for the future of the Club.

The Club will now host rollup sessions for any new bowlers, every Tuesday evening, throughout May and June, from 6.00 pm and all are welcome to attend. The only equipment required is a pair of comfortable flat soled shoes as bowls will be provided; the bar will also be open for refreshment to replace the calories lost during the evening.

Mike Ralls,

29/4/2019

 

 

First games of the season

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Report 1

Thame Bowls Club opened their season last week with a Club match between teams chosen by the Chairman, Bill Giles and the Assistant Secretary, Mike Ralls. Some 36 members played 6 rinks of Triples over 15 ends and Mike’s team just came out tops.

The friendly matches started with home games against Chessvale (a win by 100 points to 70) and Marlow (a loss by 81 points to 97) which will be followed by two away matches this week against Princes Risborough and Maidenhead Thicket. The highest winning rink against Marlow was played by Gini Williams, Barbara Waters and John Walker.

The first Recruitment Day of the season was held on Easter Saturday and some 16 new faces attended to try their hand at bowls (some for the very first time) in glorious sunshine. They were warmly welcomed by several existing members and with the bar being open during the afternoon, the occasion was deemed to be an unqualified success.

The second Recruitment Day will be held on Sunday 28 April from 2.00 am and anyone interested in taking up the sport will be welcomed. The only kit required is a pair of comfortable flat soled shoes.

Mike Ralls

Bassetbury Manor, Cheddington and Hazells

This past week we narrowly lost our Tuesday game at home against Bassetsbury Manor 61 – 69 and then at the weekend lost our two away matches at Cheddington 65 – 81 in a rinks match and defeat at Hazells 58 – 101.
Mike Ralls
 

Princes Risborough, City & County plus the Club's Competitions Finals Weekend

We had another disappointing week with defeats at home to Princes Risborough and away at Oxford City and County.  We did have winning rinks however and against Risborough, Dave Powell sharing with Simon Bell, Barbara Waters and John Walker were triumphant and against City and County, newcomer Roger Blackburn, Marion Keal and Chris Shannon were victorious.

The Club held its finals weekend over 8/9th September weekend and there were a number of very closely fought matches.  

Ian Rutherford and Chris Shannon beat Les Canfield and Leonard Grimshaw in the Victory Pairs.  

Thomas Tisbury and Doreen Penn beat Shirley Foster and John Ashfield in the Warwick Cup.

Maxine Plested beat Ann Ashfield in the Ladies 2 Wood Singles.

Robin Jenner beat Paul Costin in the Walker Cup.

In the Jubilee Handicap Cup, Bill Giles beat Chris Shannon and in the Honour Cup, Frances Goodyear beat Janet Shannon.  

In the Josey Cup for married couples, Doreen and Graham Penn beat Janet and Chris Shannon.  

Shirley Foster and Frances Goodyear beat Jill Brooks and Ann Ashfield in the Ford Cup and Paul Costin beat John Sear in the Taylor Cup.

Paul Costin also beat Chris Shannon in the Michael Jones Cup.

Maxine Plested beat Doreen Penn in the Pomeroy Cup.  

And finally Graham Watson beat Bill Giles in the Coronation Cup.

Mike Ralls

Aston Clinton, Adderbury, Ladies v Gents and Blind Bowlers Competition

We had two disappointing defeats last week against Aston Clinton 74 – 98 and Adderbury 56 – 118 but had two winning rinks played by Marion Keal, Alfred Jochum and Dave Holland against Aston Clinton and Ian Rutherford, Chris Shannon and Les Canfield against Adderbury.

The game on Friday evening was the annual Ladies v Gents match and this year was won by the Ladies 76 – 73.  The highest winning rink for the ladies featured Marion Keal, Barbara Lewin, Sharon Heafey and Sandy Webb and the highest winning rink for the men was played by Leonard Grimshaw, Kevin Sharman, Derek Goodyear and Dave Holland.  Both Barbara and Kevin are new bowlers this year and were a credit to their teams.  The Club sponsors were invited along to see the Club in action and they enjoyed the fine hospitality and buffet tea at the end of the match.

On Sunday September 2nd, the Club and Thame Lions hosted Blind Bowlers Day and 16 totally blind or partially sighted bowlers, assisted by the Club’s markers, took part in a competition throughout the day finishing with a presentation of medals and a trophy.  A thoroughly enjoyably day for all concerned.

Mike Ralls

Aylesbury Ladies, Chessvale and Waddesdon

The Ladies enjoyed a good win against a strong Aylesbury team on 21st August by 52 shots to 46 with a highest winning rink of Jane Kimber, Margaret Boynton and Maxine Plested.

The game against Chessvale on the 23rd was also a good win by 85 shots to 67 and the highest winning rink was played by Dave Powell and Simon Bell who shared the 18 ends, Maxine Plested and skip Bill Giles.

The final game over the Bank Holiday weekend against Waddesdon saw the team go down by 52 shots to 93 with the only winning rink played by Alfred Jochum, Victoria Nemar and skip John Walker.

Mike Ralls

President's Cup, Ladies v Men, Princes Risborough and Long Crendon

President's Day on Sunday was a great success.  Some 36 bowlers took part in a 2 wood triples tournament for the President's Cup and the final was closely contested between Adrian Wilcox, Alfred Jochum and Caroline Walker who were eventually beaten 7 - 4 by Sue Ludgate, Jackie Emberson and Ian Rutherford.  Their trophy will be formally presented at the end of the season Presentation Evening on 29th September. 

Thame ladies took on the men on 14 August as their scheduled match had been cancelled and walloped them by 12 shots.  The highest winning rink was played by Frances Goodyear, Jane Kimber and Jackie Emberson.

The two friendly matches against Princes Risborough and Long Crendon were both defeats 64 – 113 and 89 – 110 respectively but highest winning rinks were played by John Timms, Peter Southam and Frances Goodyear and Carsten Jochum, Ian Rutherford and Ray Plested.

Mike Ralls

Watlington Ladies, Tring and South Oxford

The Club’s ladies are having a fine season and completed a comprehensive win over Watlington by 61 shots to 19.  The honours went to Marion Keal, Maire Duncan and Shirley Foster.

The mixed game on Saturday was a defeat by 11 shots against Tring with the highest winning rink played by Janet Shannon, John Wheeler and Ray Plested.

The match on Sunday against South Oxford saw a narrow defeat by 73 shots to 77.  The highest winning rink was played by Alfred Jochum, Jan Sargeant and Dave Holland.

Mike Ralls

The Potter Cup, Didcot, Watlington and Bicester

The annual Potter Cup competition took place last week with some 20 players who fought keenly contested doubles matches throughout the evening.  Graham Watson and Terry Emberson were the eventual winners beating new bowler Steve Balne and skip Ken Calcutt in the final and will receive the trophy at the end of season Presentation Evening.

Earlier the Club’s mixed team easily beat Didcot 63 – 46 with the highest winning rink of Marion Keal, Jesse Matthews and Terry Emberson.

This was followed by another win for the team against Watlington 75 – 54 with the highest winning rink of Jan Sargeant, Maire Duncan and John Walker.

The mixed match against Bicester ended in a defeat by 85 shots to 94 and the highest winning rink was played by Alfred Jochum, Graham Watson and Terry Emberson.

Mike Ralls

 

Blackbird Leys in the League, Aylesbury Town Ladies, Abingdon and Witney Mills in the Hawker Cup

With another very warm week of games, we did themselves proud in the Oxfordshire and District Bowls League with a fine win over Blackbird Leys finishing the season in third place.  As this followed promotion from League 4 last season, the team are to be commended and the signs are positive for next year. The highest winning rink was played by Paul Costin, Leonard Grimshaw, George Andrews and Robin Jenner.  We will feature a summary of the League season when one remaining rearranged game between Blackbird Leys and Adderbury is completed later this week.

In other matches, Thame Ladies narrowly lost to Aylesbury Town 38 – 41 with highest winning rink played by Jane Kimber, Maire Duncan and Caroline Walker.

The mixed match against Abingdon was a resounding defeat by 31 shots and the Hawker Cup matches against Witney Mills was an overall defeat by 7 shots.

Mike Ralls

Loudwater, Wendover and Banbury Central B in the League

There were two good wins for Thame bowlers this week in tropical conditions.  With temperatures in the high twenties, no shade on the green and many of us no longer in the first flush of youth, it takes some effort to play a match over three or so hours, so our efforts are to be commended.

The mixed match against Loudwater was won by 77 shots to 52 with the highest winning rink played by Jan Sargeant, Jesse Matthews and John Walker.

The mixed match against Wendover on Sunday was won by 98 shots to 95 with the highest winning rink played by John Hurley, Jill Brooks and Ray Plested.

The League match away on 19th July against Banbury Central B saw a defeat (58 – 63) but the two points gained kept us in third place.  The highest winning rink was played by Ian Rutherford, Chris Shannon, John Walker and John Timms.  Whilst still mathmatically possible we could still be relegated with just one more game to play, we really should retain our place in League 3 after promotion last season.

Mike Ralls

Henley, Wendover Ladies, Headington B in the League and Cheddington

 

Although we had a busy schedule planned for the week, the weather and possibly the excitement of the World Cup may have contributed to three cancellations from the opposition.

Our mixed team did win at Henley on Sunday 8 July and the ladies won at Wendover on 9 July 36 – 26 with a highest winning rink of Margaret Boynton, Jill Brooks and Caroline Walker (15 – 10).

The men’s league team beat 2nd placed Headington B’s side by 10 shots (66 – 56) and the highest winning rink was played by Leonard Grimshaw, Steve Silver, George Andrews and Robin Jenner.  We remain in third place in the League, just 2.5 points below Headington B with two matches to play.

The final game of the week against Cheddington was unfortunately a defeat by 50 points to 86 but it was encouraging to see a number of new bowlers taking part and the signs are promising for the future.

Mike Ralls


Long Crendon, Didcot, Adderbury in the League and Watlington Ladies

Another very warm week for Thame’s bowlers provided one win, two defeats and a draw, but for Frances Goodyear it was a very successful time, being on the highest winning rink on three occasions. 
The win came in the mixed game against Long Crendon by 69 points to 53 and the highest winning rink was played by Peter Southam, Frances Goodyear and skip Graham Watson 27 – 9.
The mixed team lost their earlier match against Didcot going down 41 – 60 with the highest winning rink again played by Peter Southam, Frances Goodyear and Graham Watson.
The men’s League match against League leaders Adderbury was a resounding defeat by 45 points to 91 without any winning rink.
Thame ladies drew with Watlington last Tuesday 45 points all and their highest winning rink was played by Janet Shannon, Jill Brooks and skip Frances Goodyear.
Next week, commencing 9th July, will see no fewer than seven fixtures in a very busy schedule for the club.
Mike Ralls

The Purser Cup, South Oxford Ladies, City & County in the League and High Wycombe

Some of us sweltered in the heat last week with a closely fought Purser Cup competition on Sunday which was eventually won by John Walker and Marion Keal beating Ken Calcutt and Maire Duncan in the final.

The ladies on Monday lost to South Oxford by just 3 shots and the highest winning rink (17 – 8) was played by Marion Keal, Jill Brooks and Maxine Plested.

The men on Thursday comfortably beat the Oxford City and County B team on all rinks to consolidate 3rd place in the Oxfordshire Division 3 League, with four games left to play.  The highest winning rink was played by Ron Duncan, John Hurley, Bill Giles and Graham Penn.

The mixed match on 30 June against High Wycombe was a disappointing 94 – 108 shots defeat but the highest winning Thame rink was played by Marion Keal, Jill Brooks and Ray Plested.

Mike Ralls

Loudwater, Princes Risborough Ladies, Blackbird Leys in the League

Unfortunately, the sunshine and the feelgood England football performances did not carry through to us last week as we suffered three defeats, although two were very close.

A mixed triples match on 19thJune against Loudwater saw us go down 66 – 93 with the highest winning Thame rink played by Chris Shannon, Marion Keal and Sharon Heafey.

The ladies match on 20th June against Princes Risborough was lost by just one shot 45 – 46 with our highest winning rink played by Sharon Heafey, Jill Brooks and Shirley Foster finishing 17 - 12.

The men’s League away match on Thursday 21st June against Blackbird Leys was lost by 5 shots 61 - 66 with the highest winning rink played by Graham Watson, Jesse Matthews, Ray Plested and skip Ken Calcutt. 

Although after just 5 matches we reach the halfway stage of this season in 3rd place, the league is tight and we are looking for stronger performances during the second half of the season in the hope of improving, or at least consolidating our league position.

 

Team

Played

Shots Difference

Points

Adderbury

5

163

24

Headington B

5

42

16.5

Thame

5

1

14

Blackbird Leys

5

-55

13.5

Banbury Central B

5

-91

12

City and County B

5

-60

10

Mike Ralls

Cheltenham, Banbury Central in the League, South Oxford Norfolk Cup victory and High Wycombe

Thame Bowlers took a day trip to Cheltenham on 11 June where we played in a total of nine triple games in wonderful weather.  Although we lost by 54 shots overall, everyone enjoyed both the competition and camaraderie of the day and we are already planning another trip for next year.  The highest winning rink featured Bill Giles, Sue Ludgate and Thomas Tisbury.  There are some photos taken by Irena in the Gallery.

The men’s League game on 14th June against Banbury Central B team saw a narrow defeat by 6 shots but Thame’s highest winning rink was played by Ken Calcutt, Graham Watson, Jesse Matthews and Ray Plested.

Although the return leg of the Norfolk Cup against South Oxford on 15th June left us down by 5 shots, we held an 11 shot lead from the first leg and so collected the cup on the night - see photos in the Gallery - the Team photo featured in the Thame Gazette.

The mixed match against a strong High Wycombe side on 16 June resulted in a victory with 3 of the 4 rinks won by Thame.  The best result was by Jill Brooks, newcomer Dave Hickman playing his first game for the club, Chris Shannon and Ray Plested.

Mike Ralls

Headington B in the League and Bicester friendly

We had two matches this week, in the first, the men’s League team played Headington B away on Thursday evening and won well against the then league leaders 64 shots to 59, mainly due to a thumping 25 - 10 shots win on Les Canfield’s rink aided by Paul Costin, Leonard Grimshaw and Robin Jenner.

On Saturday however, in a mixed triples game against Bicester, Thame were defeated 78 – 59 with no wins on any of the 4 greens, although two were closely contested.

Monday 11th sees the Club go to Cheltenham for an awayday, the home League fixture on Thursday evening June 14th is against bottom of the league Banbury Central, then on Friday evening we play the 2nd leg of the Norfolk Cup competition against South Oxford, followed by High Wycombe at home on Saturday and Risborough on Sunday – all supporters most welcome.

Ian Rutherford

 

 

Top Club v Banbury Central, Adderbury in the League and Abingdon friendly

Although Thame Bowlers had no wins to celebrate this week, the performances were encouraging and should breed confidence going forward.

The Ladies Top Club match against a strong Banbury Central side saw them lose by just eight shots overall in a keenly contested match with wins in the pairs for Jill Brooks and Doreen Penn and in the fours for Sharon Heafey, Marion Keal, Frances Goodyear and Shirley Foster.

The men’s side lost 60 – 72 against Adderbury in the Oxfordshire League with Thame’s highest winning rink being played by Paul Costin, Derek Goodyear, George Andrews and Robin Jenner.  The next League match will be played on Thursday 7 June at Headington.

The mixed game on the following Saturday against Abingdon was a defeat of 77 – 109 and there were no wins on any of the five rinks.

There has been a total of fifteen new bowlers that have joined the club so far this season and the Tuesday evening rollups will continue throughout June and July to encourage anyone new to the game to try it out.

Mike Ralls 


 

Oxford City & County in the League, South Oxford and Long Crendon

Thame Bowls Club’s men enjoyed two outstanding away victories leading up to the second of May’s Bank Holiday weekend when they defeated Oxford City and County B team 78 – 59 in the first League match of the season and then the following evening, won the first leg of the Norfolk Cup against a strong South Oxford team 86 – 75.  
Having been unbeaten in our promotion year last season, that effectively extends our unbeaten league run to 13 matches.
The highest winning rink at City and County was played by Robin Jenner, newcomer Paul Costin, Derek Goodyear and George Andrews and the highest winning rink at South Oxford was played by Paul Costin (again), Bill Sandiford, John Walker and Ray Plested.
The mixed team were well beaten at Long Crendon last Saturday but with a full programme of matches to come throughout June, July and August we are confident that matters will improve. 
The first home league match will be this Thursday evening 31st May against Adderbury and the return leg of the Norfolk Cup will be played on Friday 15th June at the Chiltern Grove, Queens Road green.
At 10am this Sunday 3rd June, the ladies play in the next round of the Oxfordshire Top Club against Banbury Central and all spectators would be welcome. 
Mike Ralls
 

Henley, Tring and Hanborough Ladies matches and Hagbourne

It has been a glorious week for Thame’s Lady bowlers who made the most of the sunshine and the feel good wedding factor to record wins, starting with Henley on 15 May 61 – 32 (best winning rink Jackie Emberson, Jill Brooks and Caroline Walker).

Then the Ladies had a magnificent win against Hanborough on 20 May in the Oxfordshire County Top Club competition (see Gallery for photos).  In that match we won all four disciplines with Caroline Walker singles, Jill Brooks and Doreen Penn doubles, Margaret Boynton, Maire Duncan and Barbara Waters triples and Sharon Heafey, Marion Keal, Frances Goodyear and Maxine Plested in the fours.  The next round is the quarter final on Sunday 3 June at home to Banbury Central and spectators are most welcome.

The Ladies did lose their 100% record against Tring on 18 May on a difficult playing surface and the mixed team lost at home to Hagbourne on 19 May 69 – 94 with the highest winning rink played by Jane Kimber, John Hurley and Ken Calcutt.

Thame’s men open their Oxfordshire League campaign on 24 May with an away match against Oxford City and County with the result to be published next week.

Mike Ralls

South Oxford Ladies, Oxford Masonics, Adderbury and Henley.

Thame Bowls Club had a topsy-turvy week comfortably winning their first two fixtures and then losing the next two.

The ladies beat South Oxford 69 – 26 on Bank Holiday Monday with the highest winning rink played by Margaret Boynton, Jill Brooks and Maxine Plested.  The mixed match against Oxford Masonics on Wednesday 9 May was won 91 – 73 with the highest winning rink played by Graham Watson, Alfred Jochum and Marion Keal.

The game on Saturday 12 May against Adderbury was abandoned after 9 ends when the heavens opened and Thame were down 21 – 40.  The following day in glorious sunshine they were well beaten at Henley 49 – 94 but the best Thame rink was played by Chris Shannon, Jane Kimber and Carsten Jochum.

Mike Ralls

 

Waddesdon, Banbury Central, Risboro Ladies, Maidenhead Town and Watlington

With a change in the weather, our club fixtures came thick and fast with a loss in the mixed triples match away against Waddesdon on Tuesday 1 May 61-75 (Thame’s highest winning rink David Owens, Graham Watson and Caroline Walker) and a defeat for the men on Thursday 3 May in the Oxfordshire League Cup by 49 shots to 73 against a strong League 1 Banbury Central team.  Thame’s one winning rink was played by Ian Rutherford, Graham Watson, John Timms and Les Canfield.

The Bank Holiday weekend saw Thame Ladies opening their account on Friday 4 May with a win against Princes Risborough 50 - 37 with their highest winning rink played by Marion Keal, Jill Brooks and Doreen Penn.  

The mixed game on Saturday 5 May saw Maidenhead Town win by 4 shots after Captain Les Canfield was forced to retire hurt.  Thame’s winning rink was played by Ray Plested, Graham Watson and Adie (a guest from Maidenhead).

The final game on Sunday 6 May saw Thame win by 71 shots to 60 with the highest winning rink played by Frances Goodyear, Marion Keal and Ron Duncan.

Mike Ralls

Maidenhead Thicket and Aylesbury Town

After an all too brief few days of hot sunny weather, winter returned with a vengeance to cancel the away fixture last Saturday at Maidenhead Thicket.  Twenty four hardy souls however took to the Green on Sunday in a keenly fought contest against Aylesbury Town.  Thame ran out eventual winners at 57 to 42 with the highest winning rink played by Les Canfield, John Walker and Jill Brooks.

Mike Ralls

Away matches at Chessvale and Marlow

We have been forced to put back the start of the season because of the long spell of damp weather and switched our opening match against Chessvale last Thursday to our opponents all weather rink.  Unfortunately, Chessvale proved too strong and ran out winners by 92 points to 69 with Thame’s one winning rink played by Alfred Jochum, Jill Brooks and Jesse Matthews.

Our second match, away at Marlow, saw another defeat, this time by 117 points to 89 but an enjoyable afternoon was had by all in fine weather.  Thame’s one winning rink was played by Thomas Tisbury, John Walker and Doreen Penn.

Mike Ralls

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