Match Reports

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 

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 13

The Ladies were away on Monday 1Oth July at Wendover and won on all 3 rinks with an overall score of 59 - 37.  The highest winning rink was Sandra French, Gini Williams and skip Barbara Waters with a score of 19 - 9.  An enjoyable and friendly game was had by all.

Thame Men’s League team had a convincing win over Oxford City and County B on Thursday 13 July by 81 shots to 53 giving them 5 league points and taking them up to third place. They won on three rinks with the foursome of Norman Hyde, Jesse Matthews, John Rawson and skip, Bill Giles getting the highest win 28 – 6. They will play league leaders Woodstock at home on Thursday 20^th.

The Ladies match due to be played on Monday 17 July has had to be cancelled as Hazells were unable to field a team.

18.7.2023

Thame Bowls Club No 12

Thame’s Men’s League team came up against a strong Chipping Norton side on Thursday 6 July in the Oxfordshire Bowls League and ended up winning by 67 shots to 62. This gave them 3.5 points to Chippies 2.5, but they remained in 4^th position (just .5 of a point down). Thame’s best rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Keith Brooks, Graham Watson and skip Ian Rutherford who won 23 – 13.

The friendly against Maidenhead Town due to be played on Saturday 8 July was cancelled following torrential rain during the morning and the Purser Cup due on Sunday 9 July was postponed because of a shortage of playing numbers. The ladies went to Hanborough for an early start of 10.00am for the semi-final of the County Top Club. Unfortunately, we lost with Hanborough winning 3 of the disciplines and Thame winning 1.

Heather Hallchurch had a very good game in the Singles, she was losing 14 - 20 and managed to get back to 19 by winning one shot on 5 continuous ends, but the opposition lady bowled on to the jack making the 21 shots she needed to win.

The Fours, consisting of Ann Ashfield, Gini Williams, Terri Blackburn and skip Frances Goodyear, and the Pairs of Jan Sargeant and skip Caroline Walker had very difficult rinks to bowl on, they tried their hardest to win but Hanborough came through in the end on both rinks.

The Triples of Maire Duncan, Deirdre Page and skip Jill Brooks were winning comfortably by 13 shots to 8, then lost their way for a while with Hanborough equalising, luckily they found it again and managed to beat them with a score of 20 - 14.

Overall, an enjoyable morning with sunshine and no rain!  Thanks to Ron Duncan, John Ashfield and Roger Blackburn for chauffeuring us Ladies from Captain Jill Brooks.

10.7.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 11

On Saturday 1st July Thame played High Wycombe at home looking to avenge a defeat on their green just 3 weeks ago. Luckily, we were able to do just that by winning 80 shots to 71 and winning on 3 of the 5 rinks as skipped by Frances, Les and Ian. The highest winning rink of these involved Gini WIlliams, Jill Brooks and skip, Ian Rutherford who was also Captain for the day, his first match in that role.

On a rather breezy but pleasantly warm Sunday afternoon on 2^nd July, Thame travelled to City and County with great expectations of a second Sunday win; and win we did by 83 shots to 76. Top rink was Maureen Giles, Jill Brooks and skip Bill Giles who won 17 shots to 10. We won on 3 rinks, lost on one and drew on one and that draw was quite remarkable. Jane Kimber, Peter Dawe and skip Colin French were 18-5 down after 13 ends but rallied well, got a 6 on the 14th and won the last 5 ends to draw 18-18. Thanks to everyone who played from Captain Bill Giles.

Thame Ladies played on 4^th July and despite the gentle rain and then a downpour we managed to play 12 ends.  Thame had a very good win of 40 - 8.  The winning rink was Terri Blackburn, Jackie Emberson and skip Frances Goodyear with a brilliant score of 18 - 1.   Philippa Feltham, Marie Duncan and skip Caroline Walker also had a good win of 15 - 7.  Captain Jill Brooks said, ‘many thanks to Jan Sargeant and Alison Wilkinson for playing for Watlington as they were 2 short to make up 3 triples.’

5.7.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 10

Thame travelled to Leamington Spa on Sunday 25^th June and the following report is from Vice Chairman Gordon Taylor who organised the day.

‘Avenue Bowls Cub 87 Thame Bowls Club 99! Thame won 4 of the 6 rinks and our top rink was skipped by Jill Brooks ably supported by Keith Brooks and Leonard Grimshaw.

18 players and 2 guests travelled by coach to Leamington Spa on Sunday June 25 for a special game which came about because of Gordon Taylor and a member of Avenue BC, Dave Hobson, meeting on holiday last year in Norway. Avenue BC are celebrating their centenary year this year whilst Thame celebrate their centenary in 2024 when Avenue BC will make a reciprocal visit to Thame.

After the game, a two-course meal (which was excellent) was provided by a restaurant next to the bowling green; we then returned to the Bowls Club for the usual after meal speeches by the captains and the raffle in which we won several prizes. A good afternoon was had by all.’

The Ladies went to South Oxford on Monday 26th June with 4 Triples and lost on 3 rinks, the only winning rink was Marion Keal, Jan Sargeant and skip Jackie Emberson with a score of 16 - 9.  The overall score was 55 Thame and 65 South Oxford.  An enjoyable afternoon was had as per usual at South Oxford and a warm welcome to Philippa Feltham for playing in her first Ladies match.

27.6.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 9.

Gordon Taylor captained the match on 13^th June against Waddesdon on their home turf and lost by 84 shots to 64. Thame’s highest winning rink was played by Alfred Jochum, Alison Wilkinson and skip Ray Plested.

Thame’s Men’s League Team bounced back with a good win after some disappointing matches, by beating Blackbird Leys 61 shots to 51 earning 5 league points. Although they stayed in 4^th position, they are only one and a half points behind Chipping Norton and Bicester. The best rink was played by Geoff Roynon, Keith Brooks, Graham Watson and skip Ian Rutherford who won 21 – 11.

The mixed friendly against High Wycombe on 17^th June saw Thame lose by 95 shots to 73 but it was a good game enjoyed by all and captained by Gordon Taylor.

The game against Princes Risborough on 18 June was threatened with thunderstorms and torrential rain which, fortunately, didn't materialise and apart from a few spots of rain on the first 2 ends, was played in a dry but humid atmosphere. The game went well and going into the last end Thame had a one-shot advantage and although two of our rinks gained 3 shots on the 18th end, three of our rinks lost a total of 8 shots so Thame, although winning on 2 rinks and drawing on another, lost overall by 75 shots to 79. ‘I must admit, here, that it was my rink, with me as the skip, who lost 5 shots on the last end and thus the game. Our ladies did us proud with Jane Kimber, Heather Hallchurch and skip Jill Brooks defeating a men's triple by 21 shots to 11 making them the highest winning rink with Mike Zakaszewski, Marion Keal and skip Sharon Heafey winning by 16 shots to 12.’ Captain Bill Giles.

23.6.23

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 8.

Thame ladies had their match against Cheddington due on 7^th June, cancelled by the opposition as they were unable to field a team and they then learned that the scheduled Top Club quarter final against South Oxford had also been cancelled. They therefore progress to the semi final against either Bloxham or Hanborough on 9^th July.

Thame’s men suffered another league defeat on Thursday 8^th June against Bicester, going down by 73 shots to 47. Thame’s only winning rink was played by Adrian Wilcox, Dave Holland, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Ray Plested who won 17 – 11. They have now slipped to fourth place and visit Blackbird Leys on Thursday 15^th June.

We entertained Bicester on a sweltering afternoon on Saturday 10th June, as usual fielding a balanced mixed 5 triples team who all bowled well and enjoyed their participation. Congratulations go to Bicester who fielded their usual strong side with only one lady and won by a huge margin overall. The best performing triple for Thame was Colin French, Gini Williams, and Terri Blackburn. Captain for the day, Chris Shannon, thanks all his players for taking part and performing well.

The sun beat down on us at Gerrards Cross on Sunday 11 June and we held our own over the first 6 ends after which we had a short break from the searing heat. But as the storm clouds gathered, we gave away 7 shots on the following 6 ends but as the thunder struck, we came right back over the final 6 ends but only to lose by 95 shots to 102 in the end. Top rink was Keith Brooks Jesse Matthews and skip Frances Goodyear with a 22 to 13 win. As usual the members of Gerrards Cross Bowling Club made us extremely welcome, and we look forward to offering our hospitality to them when they come over to Thame on Saturday 22 July from Captain Bill Giles.

12.6.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 7.

The Norfolk Cup match which took place on Friday 26 May is an annual competition between South Oxford Bowls Club and Thame’s Men, providing the winners with an impressive trophy. This year Thame were victorious in a closely fought duel by 67 shots to 65 and Bill Giles skipped the best winning rink by 26 shots to 13. Captain John Rawson commended Roger Blackburn for his contribution as this was his first outing for the men’s team.

Thame Ladies played at Princes Risborough on 31 May and had a very close and enjoyable game.   Marion Keal, Deirdre Page & Jill Brooks were winning all through the match and on the 17th end the score was 14 - 12 to Thame, but unfortunately Risboro’ scored 3 on the last end and won by one shot.  Gini Williams, Heather Hallchurch & Sharon Heafey were losing, but caught up and were winning until Risboro’ won the last 3 ends and.  Overall score was Thame 28 & Princes Risborough 33.

Thame’s Men played their third Oxfordshire League match on Thursday 1 June against fellow table toppers, Woodstock and were comprehensively beaten by 78 shots to 47. They lost on three rinks but Ray Plested’s team drew 17 all to secure a half point in the league table. They did drop down to third position and will play Bicester at home on 8 June.

4.6.2023 

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 6.

The delayed result from the away friendly fixture against Hagbourne on 20 May, proved to be a disappointing defeat by 119 shots to 64 with no winning rink.

The men’s League team however, continued their winning ways with a fine game against City and County B at home on 25 May. The overall score was 72 shots to 58 and they took 4 points giving them top place in Division 3. Their best rink was played by John Ashfield, Dave Holland, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Ray Plested winning 28 – 10.

The men also triumphed in the Norfolk Cup against South Oxford on Friday 26 May and the scores etc will follow.

The mixed friendly at Long Crendon on Saturday 27 May Captained by Roger Blackburn, proved to be a narrow defeat by 79 shots to 66. The weather was very warm and the Green very fast and Thame’s best rink was played by Mike Zakaszewski, Jane Kimber and skip Dave Holland.

The Club played the Whitsun Cup on Sunday 28 May, and a separate report will be added to the website.

30.5.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 5.

Thame Ladies played away at Hazells on Monday 15 May and although they lost by 54 shots to 40, they only lost by 1 point on two rinks. These two rinks were played by Sandra French, Marion Keal and skip Heather Hallchurch and by Gini Williams, Jan Sargeant and skip Jill Brooks. An enjoyable fixture in warm sunshine.

The first Men’s League game in Division 3 of the Oxfordshire Bowls League finished with a convincing win for Thame over Chipping Norton by 65 shots to 58.25 and this gave them 5 points against Chippies 1 point. They are now joint top with Blackbird Leys and Woodstock. Thame’s best rink was played by Adrian Wilcox, Dave Holland, Leonard Grimshaw and skip Ray Plested winning 25 – 18. A most encouraging start to the season and proved to be the Club’s first win.

The result of the mixed friendly game against Hagbourne on Saturday 20 May is not yet in but on Sunday 21 May, on a beautifully sunny Spring afternoon amid the glorious setting by the Thames, Thame Bowls Club were received by Henley Bowling Club. The green bowled well and up to the 16th end Thame were level on shots with our hosts. Then, as the band in the adjoining meadow continued to play, disaster struck and by the end of the game we had lost by 58 shots to 80. Our highest winning rink was Sandra French, Ron Duncan and skip Bill Giles with a 24 to 12 win.

'A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all with very pleasant company from the Henley team’ said Captain Bill Giles.

On Monday 22 May, Aston Clinton ladies could only arrange 2 Triples.  On a warm and sunny day Thame Ladies had their first win of the season with an excellent score of 45 - 16.  Winning rink was Jan Sargeant, Deirdre Page and skip Jill Brooks with a score of 27 - 8.

23.5.2023

Thame Bowls Club weekly newsletter No 4

Thame’s mixed friendly at Amersham was washed out on Tuesday 9 May because the Green was waterlogged. Let us hope that that is the only cancellation this season.

The Ladies played away at Marlow on Wednesday 10 May and although enjoyable and friendly, with just a short sharp shower, they went down by 46 shots to 37. Thame’s best rink was played by Marion Keal, Terri Blackburn and skip (and Captain) Jill Brooks who forced a draw.

The mixed friendly on Saturday 13 May, Captained by Roger Blackburn, was also away from home and played in very cold conditions at Adderbury. Another defeat, this time by 75 shots to 60 was softened by Ray Plested’s team taking 7 shots on one end but this was over-shadowed by ‘Hot Shots’ Les Canfield, Roger Blackburn, Pat Munday and Mike Hants who scored 8 on one end and finished winners by 23 shots to 8.

The match against Winslow on Sunday 14 May, was played in glorious spring sunshine which was a great bonus this year so far and especially since it is the first home game that we have played against them. All was going quite well until the last few ends when the visitors raced into the lead and won overall by 3 rinks to 2 and 84 shots to 67.

Thame's top rink, winning by 19 shots to 12, was Marion Keal, Jill Brooks and skip David Holland.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise the game from Captain Bill Giles.

15.5.2023