It was a difficult week for the rugby players, taking on some very strong teams from Reed’s School. There were some heavy defeats, which have left the Shiplake players hungry for a win for their final fixtures of the term this coming week. It was not losses across the board however; the U15As secured a solid win and are aiming to be undefeated for this half term!

Rugby

2nd XV 0-58 Reed’s School

Thank you to Mr David Sharkey for the following observations on a difficult rugby match for the 2nd XV:

1. ‘Shiplake looked likely to score in the first two minutes.
2. Kicking penalties to touch, must make touch.
3. It is hard to get into a game if you lose first phase ball.
4. Seb Rivett appears to really enjoy making big tackles.
5. A series of poor positioning and missed tackles will result in conceding a score.
6. If your name is Tom and you play in the backrow, chances are you were in almost every ruck.
7. Playing lots of new players in new positions is a very steep learning curve.
8. Reed’s were exceptionally good at offloading before or in contact.
9. Sam Neill could well be made of steel.
10. Quick ruck ball is extremely difficult to defend.
11. If you let Justin Janse VanVeuren even to get hold of your bootlaces, he is going to tackle you.
12. Mr Mallins is an excellent assistant referee (touch-judge).
13. Callum Brady worked incredibly hard on his 2s debut.
14. Playing rugby with 13 players is very difficult.
15. Shiplake do not back down from a challenge irrespective of circumstance or difficulty.’

U15A 26-18 Reed’s School

Thank you to Mr Richard Curtis for the following report of another successful match for the U15As:

‘On a cold, crisp, yet sunny morning everyone was raring to go and it soon became clear that the U15s were not at the races. Reed’s inside defence was really strong and Shiplake thought it would be wise to try and batter their way through with little effect other than to concede turnover after turnover and go into the half time break a score down. After completing a difficult first half, Shiplake came out with a new game plan more befitting their strengths in the second period. Within five minutes the U15s were back in control with two fine individual tries and plenty of possession in the wide spaces, causing Reed’s all sorts of problems. Credit to the opposition for not rolling over and pressing Shiplake hard all the way to the final whistle, but a 26-18 score-line should have been so much bigger had Shiplake tuned in a little bit earlier.

With just one match remaining the U15As are looking to go undefeated this half of term when they take on Churcher’s College next Saturday. Good luck guys!’

U15B 7-45 Reed’s School

Thank you to Mr James Arney for the following report of a difficult game against Reed’s School:

‘Despite the score the game was in fact very close. Reed’s have won all of their eight games this season and it took them 15 minutes to put their first points past Shiplake.

Throughout the game, Shiplake dominated possession and capitalised upon a number of knock-ons by Reed’s. However, Shiplake sadly lacked the finishing touch required to score and with a breakaway try from Reed’s, the oppositions’ morale lifted. Reed’s then turned their own game around, went through the gears and put Shiplake on the back foot, scoring a number of excellent tries in quick succession.

Late in the game, Shiplake scored a well-earned try, which was scored by Max Weinreich. Sam Rogers converted with a drop kit. Special mention must go to Patrick Kenny who led the side during this tough encounter. His tackling was superb.’

U14A 14-32 Reed’s School

Thank you to Captain James Burgess for the following report from a well-played match against Reed’s:

‘In Shiplake’s penultimate game of the season they were keen to get a good result against Reed’s. Reed’s kicked off and Shiplake had some strong carries to put them in a good attacking position. ter a period of solid tackling Reed’s went over to bring the score-line level. They then went over and scored twice more in relatively quick succession. Shiplake went into halftime losing but knowing that it wasn't at all over as they were playing really well.

After five minutes of play Reed’s went over again, but Shiplake were not giving up. After a quick restart which was retained by Shiplake, the forwards make some good metres which put Shiplake in a brilliant position to score again. After some exceptional offloading team play Archie McArthur went over. Unfortunately, it all came a bit late as the game finished 32-14, but once again another strong team performance from Shiplake. Special mention to Johnny Yulhanson-Hutchins who was awarded Man of the Match.’

Hockey

Girls' 1st XI 1-3 Sir William Borlaise Grammar School

Thank you to Head of Hockey Mr Tom Walter for the following report:

'Shiplake were looking to continue their unbeaten run and went into the game full of confidence following their 1-0 victory over Lord Wandsworth the previous week. For most of the first half, Shiplake were on the back foot but defended excellently and some robust tackles from Daisy Stuart and Lauren McNally, in addition to some fantastic saves from Emily Duncan, kept the scores at 0-0 until just before half time. Borlaise were quick to react to a saved shot and managed to poke the ball home from close range to go into the break 1-0 up.

After some discussion about how to change things in the second half, Shiplake took to the pitch and went at Borlaise for the first 10 minutes of the second half. Izzy Webster, Brooke Creighton and Hannah Burnett managed to work the ball into some good areas around the D and eventually the pressure paid off, when Shiplake were awarded a short corner and McNally stepped up to slam the ball home from the top of the D. At 1-1, Shiplake looked in control and Beth Findlay showed plenty of passion and commitment to keep the Borlaise attack at bay. Shipake almost took the lead when Webster had a fierce shot parried by the goalkeeper and Borlaise reacted quickest to counter attack and score on the break. With tiredness setting in, the girls lost a bit of structure and Borlaise worked a third goal with 2 minutes to go, tapping in on the far post.

An unfortunate loss, and perhaps unjust, but the girls will look forward to Wednesday’s rematch with Gillotts in hope of ending the season on a high.'