Author: Sonja Francis

MATCH REPORT – Thame United Reserves 1, V Shrivenham Reserves 1 – 6th September, 09

THE Reserves began their season on Saturday at Southern Road when they faced Shrivenham Reserves of the Reserve Division 2 West in the Presidents Cup Group C.

In an entertaining game, United took the lead after only five minutes when right back Gavin Way found himself in space on the wide right and was able to progress in to the box unchallenged and drove an unstoppable shot from the angle to beat the keeper at his near post. United were unable to hold on to the advantage and Shirvenham equalised ten minutes later when an injured Matt Leach, playing in the Thame goal, was unable to get down to a strike from the edge of the box and the ball nestled in the bottom corner of the Thame goal.

After the goals there was little goalmouth action in the remainder of the game as both teams cancelled each other out in the middle of the park. Nevertheless, Leach was called on to make a couple of impressive saves, whilst Stuart Barr went closest to grabbing a winner for United. In the end a draw was probably a fair result.

The Reserves have another home fixture at Southern Road next weekend (12th September) as they face Division One Reserve side Finchampstead in the Chairmans Cup, 3:00pm kick off.

Thame United: Leach, Way, Gibbs, Wakelin, Barnett, Merdith (Higgs), Gascoyne, Stocker (Jewell), Webb (Patrick), Barr, Braun

Photo: Goalscorer Gavin Way

CHINNOR seconds – Friendly – Home – match report for 5th September 2009.

Chinnor Seconds took on probably one of the strongest second fifteen in the country, Roslynn Park. A team one division higher than Chinnor in the shield and in their third friendly of the season. Unfortunately for Chinnor they only had fifteen players for the game after losing some of the squad to the first team and many being unavailable to play due to holidays. With four teams from the club playing this weekend all teams where up against it and had to cope with the bare minimum of players.

The game started off well for the Chinnor side with most of the play in the Roslynn park 22 metres, but they were unable to initiate a score on the board, and it was Park that scored the first points of the game when Chinnor gave away a penalty. Chinnor came straight back at Park with a forwards drive resulting in captain for the day Andy Millburn who scored the try and eighteen year old Ben Farr converted. In the 15th minute Chinnor added another seven points on the board with a try once again from Andy and a conversion from Ben, resulting in a well deserved lead for Chinnor at 14 points to 3. It took Park some time to get their first well worked converted try through the centre and Chinnor came back with a penalty by Ben Farr and the first half finished with Chinnor the deserved lead of 17 points to 10.

The second half started with Park bringing on six strong players with fresh legs and the pressure started to tell with Chinnor having no one to call on. Park got their rewards with the new players and scored their second converted try in the 6th minute and after thirty minutes into the second half were leading 37 points to 17. Chinnor made two basic errors towards the end of the game, running into trouble that resulted in losing the ball and finally a charged down kick ending the game with a finishing score of 49 points to 17. The score line is not a reflection of the game and the high tempo it was played at or how committed this team was.

Chinnor can be very happy with the result against such a strong team from London.

Man of the match could be any one of these players, Andy Millburn led the pack, James Hewitt marshalled the back line (something the seconds have needed for the last three years), Ben Farr kicked beautifully, Ben Sander tackled everything that moved and Jon Lavin got over the advantage line every time he touched the ball with Sam Blewitt awesome in the lineout. Everyone played their part and should be mentioned by name.

Walter McGuicken

A NEW community leisure card scheme has been launched by the district council, in partnership with its leisure provider, GLL/Nexus.

The aim of the scheme is to get more people fit and healthy by offering a greater choice for all age groups, with various types of membership options to suit different lifestyles.

Cards include ?pay as you go? as well as prepaid memberships and unlike some private gyms, membership and payment can be amended as and when your needs change.

There?s even a scheme for infrequent users, so they too can benefit from discounted activities by building up reward points. Other benefits include a free or discounted first activity and the ability to book online.

The pay as you go card offers great value for money and is ideal for those who visit the centre once a week. Benefits include discounted activities and courses, online booking and a reward scheme. People on specified benefits can get a concessionary card, which allows the user many activities at 50 per cent off during off peak times (Monday-Friday before 5pm and all day at weekends).

Prepaid memberships are for those who use their centre frequently and include both junior and adult memberships. As well as the benefits included within the pay as you go card, prepaid memberships provide additional benefits such as free use of the gym and swimming.

Bill Service, Cabinet Member for Leisure said: “We want to see more people in South Oxfordshire using the excellent facilities available at our leisure centres. The flexibility of community leisure cards will allow more residents access to health and fitness facilities. Join your local centre today to get fit and active.”

Rick Durrant, Managing Director for Nexus Community said: “We are really excited about the launch of this new scheme. It provides greater choice and flexibility for customers and we are particularly pleased to have increased the options for under 18?s and over 60?s. Many of the centres have recently been refurbished and with the launch of the community leisure card we hope to see significant increases in participation from all sections of the community.”