Author: Sonja Francis

In light of England Squash needing to move the regional tournament to the 3rd/4th March (see below) to gain more entries, Racquets Fitness Centre has decided to run a graded racket ball tournament ‘Handicapped’ instead on Saturday, October 22, from 12-6pm.

“It will be a knockout tournament with a plate, equipment & cash prizes available,” explained Martin King of Racquets,” and Mark Fuller will publish results and draws on the UK racket ball site.

“We won’t provide t/shirts but will include a light rolling lunch included in the

MENS – Thame 1st XI 4 ? 2 Witney 2nd XI; THAME travelled to Witney for a tough game for their latest match, which they came through with a 4-2 win to give them the top spot in division four after two games.

Witney showed their intent from the start playing at a very high tempo, with the visitors absorbing the early pressure without too much difficulty before taking the initiative in a counter attack resulting in a penalty corner, which Snuggs converted in the bottom corner.

Witney continued to press but Rudolph and Humphreys at the back looked in control and started to build possession through Trailor and JP, causing the home side lots of problems. Brown capitalised on the Thame pressure lifting the ball over the keeper from close range to give Thame a 2-0 lead at the interval.

Witney showed intent from the start in the second half but Thame looked in control. Possession in midfield from Birkett and Sawrey-Cookson began to frustrate Witney resulting in a number of fouls leaving the umpire no choice but to sin-bin a Witney player. Merrick was soon on hand and converted another well-worked move to give the visitors their third.

Witney, back to full strength, pulled a goal back after some sloppy Thame defending, giving them a glimmer of hope. Thame then put the game to bed when a foot on the line gave them a penalty stroke, which was converted by Birkett. Witney pulled one more back in the dying minutes to give a score line that flattered the home side who made few chances.

LADIES

Thame 1st XI 6 ? 0 Phoenix and Ranelagh XI

LAST week saw Thame Ladies 1sts travel to Reading to play an experienced Pheonix and Ranelagh team. Thame arrived with a full strength team including a couple of new talented players.

Despite very poor pitch conditions, Thame totally dominated possession with accurate mid-field passing between Lynch, Corby and Dawson pulling out the Pheonix and Ranelagh team allowing the very capable Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes space to put away two early goals.

The home team goalkeeper worked exceptionally hard and kept them in the game with some very impressive saves. Mia Burrow made a remarkable debut appearance as Left Forward, constantly testing the keeper with her back post positioning and quick reactions.

Vikki Dawson led Thame into a three nil lead at half time with a well-worked move down the left. P&R regrouped at half time and began with a few penetrating attacks down the centre of the pitch which were superbly defended by the Williamson & Alexander duo at the back.

Thame continued their relentless pressure and were awarded with one more goal and a penalty flick accurately taken by Greenwood-Hughes. Thames? scorecard was completed by Sawrey-Cookson with a lovely chip in from the right side making the final win 6-0.

Thame ladies train on Wednesday evenings at 8pm and welcome all new players.

LEAGUE MATCH – Tuesday, October 11 – Thame United 4, Fairford Town 1; MATCH REPORT – Contributed

THAME United moved up four league places, to 11th position at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening with a comfortable 4-1 win over Fairford Town. It was an entertaining game with Thame playing attractive flowing football, albeit against one of the league’s weaker teams.

United had the bulk of first half play, their first goal coming after 14 minutes play. James keeble hit a perfect long ball from inside the Thame half, over the heads of defenders, finding Aaron Rogers who calmly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper. Thame were looking sharp,and Alex Stewart, Adam Little and Rogers all went close. The second goal came five minutes before the break from a Dan West free kick which Sam Cowan headed in from close range at the far post.

The visitors came out fired up for the second half and where far more of a threat. Nevertheless it was Thame who, on 51 minutes increased their lead; once again via a West free kick. He hit a superb 40-yard ball which found the tall Stewart who headed in well, placing the ball beyond the reach of the keeper, from 10-Yards. Minutes later the visitors hit the post with a header. With 70 minutes played, Fairford got a consolation goal when Thame keeper Nick Bennion parried a strong shot but the ball fell to substitute James Keeler who finished from 15-yards. Thame?s final goal came 10 minutes before the final whistle. Rogers hit a low cross finding Matt Hall central, at the edge of the penalty area who set up West, whose well placed shot beat the hapless keeper.

Overall it was a competent Thame performance but they will face stiffer opposition next Saturday when third placed Binfield are the visitors.

Thame United: Bennion, Cowan (Ricketts), P Pykett (Gordon), Meredith, Steedman, Keeble, Little (Barr), West, Stewart, Rogers, Hall.