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Our new clubhouse completed Autumn 2020
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Weekly Match Report - 12th July 2021

 

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 11th 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


 

Weekly Match Report - 5th July 2021

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 14th 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

Weekly Match Report - 28th June 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

Weekly Match Report - 21st June 2021

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

Weekly Match Report - 14th June 2021

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

Weekly Match Report - 7th June 2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 3

Thame Ladies suffered a rare defeat on 2nd June away at Princes Risborough by some 20 shots. The men’s League team however were strong winners on 3rd 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 25th 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

Updated - Weekly Match Report - 2nd June 2021

Thame Bowls Club weekly news report 2

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

The men’s league game against Charlbury on 27th 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 3rd June.

Thame’s friendly game against Long Crendon away brought a splendid win by 20 points (76 – 56) with the highest winning rink played by Keith Brooks, Deidre Page and skip Ian Rutherford, this included a Hotshot end, a second for the club for Keith and Ian, to finish a great day.
 

The annual Whitsun Cup was played for on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th 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

Weekly Match Report - 23rd May 2021

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 17th 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 20th 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 22nd 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.

 

23rd May 2021

Final Weekly Match Report - 23rd September

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 21st October at the Chinnor Rugby Club.


 

Mike Ralls

 

23rd September 2019

 

 

Weekly Match Report - 2nd September

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 20th at 7pm and the AGM will be held on Monday October 21st at Chinnor Rugby 6:30 for 7pm.

Mike Ralls

2 September 2019

 

Weekly Match Report - 21st August

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 18


 

Thame Ladies were once again on top form in the past week, firstly beating Wendover Ladies 59 – 29 and then Aylesbury Town Ladies 49 – 48. The best rink against Wendover was Jan Sargeant, Jackie Emberson and Doreen Penn and the best rink against Aylesbury was Margaret Boynton, Frances Goodyear and Caroline Walker. Regrettably the match against Thame Gentlemen had to be cancelled because of the weather, otherwise, the men would have had a thrashing.

The mixed team against Long Crendon was a narrow defeat by 86 shots to 88 but the highest winning rink was played by Carsten Jochum, Marion Keal and Jane Kimber.

The annual Potter Cup was won by Ron Duncan and Ken Calcutt after a fine afternoon of competitive bowls and everyone taking part enjoyed the occasion. The day was completed by hosting the sponsors evening where the members and sponsors were able to mix and socialise before the Clubhouse is closed down for refurbishment. There are a few pictures in the gallery.

Mike Ralls

 

21 August 2019

 

 

Weekly Match Report - 14th August

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 17


 

Thame men’s last league match of the season against Chadlington could have determined either a promotion to League 2 or strangely a relegation to League 4! The end result of 62 shots to 70 meant a points total of 2 against Chadlington’s 4 and a final position of 4th equal on points with Shiplake and Bloxham. The top two sides are promoted and bottom two sides relegated so the three teams in the middle stay there for next season. The Club Captain, Ron Duncan, is going to stand down at the end of this season and the Club have expressed their many thanks to him for his professional, efficient and sociable efforts throughout the year.

The two mixed games this week had mixed results with a fine win against Tring (68 – 58) with the best rink played by Ray Lewin, Terry Emberson and Ron Duncan, but a heavy defeat against South Oxford (78 – 118) with the highest winning rink played by Jane Kimber, Jan Sargeant, Leonard Grimshaw and Jess Matthews.

The Club is now planning the many tasks that will be required before the Clubhouse is redeveloped and it will be all hands to the pumps for the rest of the month.

Mike Ralls

 

13th August 2019.

 

 

Weekly Match Report - 7th August

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 16

Thame men’s bowlers came strong against a Bloxham side competing for the second league place and won 72 – 63 giving them 4 league points against Bloxham’s 2. The best Thame rink was Graham Watson, Ian Rutherford, John Timms and Paul Costin. Thame have one last game to play on this coming Thursday against second from bottom Chadlington and a 6 – 0 scoreline could see Thame promoted to League 1. Equally a 0 – 6 score could see them relegated so there will plenty to play for.

The friendly against Bicester was a defeat by 64 points to 100 but the highest winning rink was played by two newcomers Keith Brooks and Geoff Roynon with skip Leonard Grimshaw. Frances Goodyear and Jane Kimber both played for Bicester as that team were short of players and Jane was on the highest winning rink.

Although the friendly against Watlington had to be cancelled as Watlington could only field 7 players, the new bowlers competition continued on Tuesday 6th August and it came to a very close finale. Teams B and D eventually went through to the final with 15 points apiece but were closely followed by Team A with 13, Team E with 12.5 and Team C with 11.5 points. Team F brought up the rear with 8 points.

In the final Team B won by 5 shots to 2 which with 1 point for each winning end and a bonus point for the highest number of shots, gave them a winning margin of 4 points to 2. The winners, who were presented with the trophy by Sharon Heafey, were Sandra French, Samantha Carnell, Barry Green and Geoff Roynon.

Mike Ralls

7th August 2019

 

 

Weekly Match Report - 31st July

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 15

It has been a fairly quiet week for Thame’s bowlers when compared to their usual full program but they still found time to meet Didcot and Bicester as well as playing the second round of the Paul Heafey Cup.

The mixed team lost 53 – 73 to Didcot but the best rink was played by Jackie Emberson, Pete Southam and Terry Emberson. The men’s league match against Bicester was a loss of 56 – 76 resulting in 5 points to Bicester and 1 point to Thame. Thame have now dropped to 4th position but are on equal points with Shiplake and just 4 points behind Bloxham in 2nd place who are Thame’s next opponents.

The second session of the Paul Heafey Cup saw 24 new bowlers battle out another two matches and the current league positions are : -

Team B (Sandra French, Samantha Carnell, Barry Green and Geoff Roynon) 14 points

Team E (Denise Manger, Colin French, Keith Brooks and Val Sawyer) 11.5 points

Team D (Terri Blackburn, Maureen Gidley, Phillip Dodd and Mike Sawyer) 11 points

Team A (Mac Warner, Peter Woodman, Peter Gibbons and Peter Dawe) 10 points

Team C (Claire Lewis, Maggie Gibbons, Colin Feltham and Vic Dawe) 7.5 points

Team F (Barbara Lewin, Mary Taylor, Ken Lewis and Paul Youens) 6 points

The last game will be played on Tuesday next followed by the final and a social evening to discuss where things went wrong!

Mike Ralls

31 August 2019

 

 

Weekly Match Report - 24th July

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 14


 

The ladies of Thame did not have quite such a good week with their first defeat to Aylesbury Town by 40 – 53 although Thame’s highest winning rink was played by Margaret Boynton, Jill Brooks and skip Doreen Penn.

The Top Club semi finals against South Oxford were also a loss overall but it was a very close 58 – 61 but there were wins for Caroline Walker (21 – 2) in the singles and for Ann Ashfield, Margaret Boynton, Barbara Waters and Frances Goodyear (17 – 15) in the fours.

The mixed team versus Wendover also lost 78 – 87 with the best rink played by new bowler, Keith Brooks, Alison Wilkinson and skip Graham Watson.


 

The Paul Heafey Cup

On Tuesday 23rd July, the first round of this new bowlers competition took place and all six teams played two games of 4 end rinks. Team B consisting of Sandra French, Samantha Carnell, Barry Green and Geoff Roynon have taken an early lead but only by 1 point ahead of Team D who consists of Terri Blackburn, Maureen Gidley, Phillip Dodd and Mike Sawyer. Teams A and E are not far behind on 5 points each but Teams F (3 points) and Team C (2 points) have work to do. With another three games before the final over the next two weeks, with five points available on each game, there is all to play for and the positions can change dramatically.

Mike Ralls

 

24th July 2019

 

 

Weekly Match Report - 17th July

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 13

Thame Men’s bowlers were back in action last Thursday and easily beat a Shiplake team that struggles to perform away from home. Thame won by 79 shots to 61 and will receive 5 league points to Shiplake’s 1. This takes Thame back to second place in the league behind Bicester. The highest winning rink was played by Paul Costin, Leonard Grimshaw, George Andrews and skip Robin Jenner.

Gordon Taylor, the Club’s President, sponsored the annual President’s Day on 13th July and 33 bowlers took part throughout a keenly contested day, with the eventual winners being Barbara Lewin, Mike Zakaszewski and Chris Shannon. The match was completed by a meal and the Narrowgate Competition prize of a bottle of whiskey, was won by Derek Goodyear, who promptly donated it back to the raffle. Gordon donated the monies raised on the day to Sharing Life Trust and Thame Youth Project.

There were also two friendlies during the week; Woodstock at home was a win by 50 – 43 (highest winning rink John Sear, John Walker and Jesse Matthews) but Loudwater away was a defeat 48 – 68 (highest winning rink Ray Lewin, Pete Southam and Sandy Webb).

The Hawker Cup was completed last Friday but the results are not yet in.

Mike Ralls

17 July 2019

Weekly Match Report - 9th July

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 12

Thame Ladies have continued to dominate their opposition over the last few weeks with good wins over Watlington and Wendover.

The game against Watlington was three triples, finished 56 - 30 and the highest winning rink was played by Ann Ashfield, Jill Brooks and skip Frances Goodyear.

The match against a reduced Wendover side was won by 39 shots to 25 with the highest winning rink played by Ann Ashfield, Jill Brooks and skip Caroline Walker.

Thame’s Men however were defeated by their bogey side, Banbury Central in the Oxfordshire County League fixture by 57 shots to 74 giving them just 1 league point to Banbury’s 5 and dropped Thame to third.

There were two defeats for the Club’s mixed teams over the weekend although the final scores are not yet in.

Some 18 new bowlers have signed up so far for this year’s Paul Heafey Cup which will be played over the 23, 30 July and 6 August. The number reflects the very healthy 2019 recruitment campaign and the Club is bucking the current bowls trend elsewhere in the district.

Mike Ralls

9 July 2019

Weekly Match Report - 4th July

Thame Bowls Club weekly match report 11

The weather has been kind to Thame bowlers this week and has helped to improve the results.

Although the mixed match against Hagbourne was a defeat by 62 – 75, (the highest winning rink played by Jane Kimber, Mac Warner and Graham Watson) the games against Didcot and High Wycombe were wins 65 – 62 and 62 – 56 respectively. The winning rinks were played by Roger Mackreal, John Walker and Frances Goodyear against Didcot and by Janet Shannon, Terri Blackburn, Graham Watson and Jesse Matthews against High Wycombe.

The mixed match against Wendover was a narrow defeat 91 – 95 but the highest winning rink was played by Gini Williams and Mike Zakaszewski (both new bowlers) and Jane Kimber (who was skipping for the first time).

Thame ladies progressed in the Top Club competition by beating Hanborough on all rinks. They will play South Oxford next on 21stJuly 2019.

Mike Ralls

4 July 2019

Weekly Match Report - 29th June

Thame Bowls Club weekly match report 10

Although matches against Long Crendon and South Oxford had to be cancelled in recent weeks (as the opposition were unable to get enough players), vital Oxfordshire League men’s fixtures went ahead as planned and proved successful on both occasions.

First a comprehensive defeat over Chadlington 103 – 46 with wins on all rinks gave a useful 6 points to the league total; the highest winning rink was played by Ron Duncan, John Ashfield, Les Canfield and skip Bill Giles. Then a closer game against Hanborough ran out 73 – 54 giving 4 points to Thame and 2 points to Hanborough; the highest winning rink was played by Graham Watson, Mike Ralls, John Timms and skip Chris Shannon.

The mixed friendlies against Loudwater (an easy win at home) and at home against Didcot (a closer win 65 – 62) were enjoyed by all sides and the highest winning rink against Didcot was played by Roger Mackriell, John Walker and Frances Goodyear. 

Finally the Club’s own triples competition, the Purser Cup was played  on 23rdJune and the final between Dave Holland, Jill Brooks and Janet Shannon against Tony Adamson, Jane Kimber and Chris Shannon, saw a win for Tony, Jane and Chris.

Mike Ralls

29 June 2019

Weekly Match Report - 17th June

Thame Bowls Club weekly match report 9

Thame Bowlers survived most of the weather during the last week to complete three matches. The men beat a strong Bloxham side in the Oxfordshire and District League, Division 3 by 64 shots to 56 giving them a useful 4 league points; the best rink was played by Ron Duncan, John Ashfield, Les Canfield and skip Bill Giles.

The home match against High Wycombe was a good win 130 – 88 and the highest winning rink was played by Ian Rutherford, Derek Goodyear, Keith Brooks and Marion Keal that included a maximum ‘Hot Shot’ score of 8 on one end, but the Sunday game against Princes Risborough saw a defeat by 74 shots to 90. Thame’s best rink was played by Jesse Matthews, Marion Keal again and newcomer Gini Williams.

The Club has participated in the SODC ‘Go Active Gold’ campaign, designed to promote sports for all ages and they have benefitted by a number of new bowlers taking up the offer of a free six week course which comes to an end this week. Approximately 20 new members have joined the Club so far this season thereby bucking the trend seen in other clubs over recent years.

Mike Ralls

17 June 2019

Weekly Match Report - 10th June

Thame Bowls Club weekly match report 8

A mixed week for the Thame bowlers with wins against Oxford City and County 21 – 10 in a friendly match and Bicester in the men’s Oxfordshire League 57 – 52 which gave Thame 4 league points and moved them up one place. The highest winning rink against Oxford was played by Ann Ashfield, Jackie Emberson and Maxine Plested. The highest winning rink against Bicester was played by Ron Duncan, John Ashfield, Les Canfield and skip Bill Giles.

The friendly mixed match against Bicester on the following Saturday however saw a disappointing defeat by 50 – 104. The highest winning rink was played by John Walker, Alfred Jochum and skip Chris Shannon.

The results are not yet in for the second leg of the Norfolk Cup and will be covered in the next report. The ‘Go Active Gold’ campaign launched by SODC to encourage people to take up a sport, has proved very popular at the Bowls Club and the regular Tuesday evening sessions have been well attended.

Mike Ralls

10th June 2019

Weekly Match Report - 3rd June

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 7

Thame Bowls Club played three friendly matches during the week and although the ladies could only draw 47 points each against Princes Risborough, to spoil their 100% record to date (highest winning rink Marion Keal, Jill Brooks & Doreen Penn), the two weekend games were heavy defeats against Abingdon and Chesham. It was encouraging however to see a number of new bowlers take to the Green for Thame and results will inevitably improve with practice.

The home leg of the Norfolk Cup against South Oxford finished 52 points to Thame and 64 points to Oxford with Thame’s highest winning rink played by Ron Duncan, Mike Ralls, Les Canfield and skip Bill Giles. The away leg will be played on Friday 7 June at South Oxford’s green when the trophy will be awarded to the winning team.

The Midweek Cup, a new competition this year, with sixteen bowlers competing over three weeks, drew to a close and the trophy was taken by Barry Green, Val Sawyer, Jill Brooks and Leonard Grimshaw by a winning margin of just 2 points.

Mike Ralls

3 June 2019

Weekly Match Report - 27th May

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 6

Thame Bowls Club ladies won again during the week to maintain their 100% record so far this season. They beat Aston Clinton by 25 points to 21 with Janet Shannon, Jill Brooks and Caroline Walker and Jane Kimber, Marion Keal and Shirley Foster sharing the honours of highest winning rinks.

Their male counterparts in the Oxfordshire League suffered a resounding defeat against Shiplake 46 points to 95 losing on all rinks and dropping to fifth position overall. The mixed sides also lost to Aylesbury Town and Long Crendon but the Midweek Cup, a new internal competition has been well supported with the final taking place this week.

The Whitsun Trophy was also keenly contested over the Bank Holiday weekend and the eventual winners were Ann Ashfield, Marion Keal, Sharon Heafey and skip Ron Duncan who beat Roger Mackriell, Maire Duncan, Mike Ralls and John Ashfield in the final. The beaten semi finalists were Kevin Sharman, Frances Goodyear, Graham Watson and John Walker and Mike Zakaszewski, Jane Kimber, Jill Brooks and Chris Shannon.

The Club also continues with the ‘Go Active Gold’ campaign designed for brand new bowlers every Tuesday evening at 6.00 pm and the numbers of attendees so far has proved very encouraging.

Mike Ralls

27 May 2019

Weekly Match Report - 20th May

Thame Bowls Club weekly report 5

Thame Ladies had another fine win midweek against Tring Ladies 40 – 29 with the highest winning rink played by Jane Kimber, Jill Brooks and skip Shirley Foster. They have a 100% record for the season to date.

The men’s Oxfordshire League team lost to Banbury Central B by 52 – 80 shots earning just 1 league point and are currently in third place but with plenty of bowling still to come.

The friendly against Hagbourne was closely fought and Thame came out winners by 5 shots (84 – 79) with the highest winning rink played by Alfred Jochum, Jesse Matthews and skip Bill Giles.

The first round of the internal Midweek Cup got underway and the Tuesday evening rollups for new bowlers have now entered their third week with in excess of 20 new bowlers attending. All newcomers are welcome to try their hand at bowls every Tuesday from 6.00 pm and the only equipment needed is a pair of comfortable flat soled shoes.

Mike Ralls

20 May 2019

Weekly Match Report - 13th May

Thame Bowls Club Weekly Report 4

The weather played a hand in Thame Bowls Club’s matches this week with two games cancelled because of rain, two worthy wins in rather cool conditions and two narrow defeats in bright sunshine.

The ladies beat South Oxford 67 – 57 with the highest winning rink played by Sue Ludgate, Frances Goodyear and skip Maureen Giles. The men’s League team beat Hanborough 77 – 51 (which earned them 4.5 league points) with the highest winning rink played by Paul Costin, John Walker, Ray Plested and skip George Andrews.

The weekend Triples matches saw the Club go down 69 – 71 against Adderbury (with the highest winning rink played by Roger Mackriell, Jane Kimber, Derek Goodyear and skip Graham Watson) and 72 – 85 away at Henley (with the highest winning rink played by Jan Sargeant, Marion Keal and skip Ray Plested).

The Club’s recruitment days and the first of their Tuesday evening roll ups for potential new members under the ‘Go Active Gold’ initiative have been very successful with 28 attendees so far. The Tuesday evening course will continue throughout May and June between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm and anyone wanting to learn how to play are welcome to attend.

Mike Ralls

13/5/2019

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