With summer drawing to a close and a new academic year underway, rugby returned to our pitches. The first Saturday of term saw not just ten teams ranging from U14 to the 1st XV playing their first fixtures of the season (click here for the reports!), but also various training sessions for those not playing in the matches, taking place in pockets of remaining playing field space.
As part of the start of year celebrations, a dog show and touch rugby tournament took place after the morning's sessions, which drew in dozens of parents, pupils, Old Vikings and staff members. With an 80ft inflatable assault course, cake sale, barbecue and bar available throughout the day, there truly was something for everyone.
The third annual dog show celebrated all that we love about our furry friends, with 40 entrants to the various categories. Thank you to Parents' Association Chair, Dawn Greenaway, who compered the event. Categories included Waggiest Tail, won by three-year-old Pug-Cavalier cross Cilla, owned by Mr Milburn. Best Trick was won once again by Dr Hughes's working cocker spaniel Willow. Most Handsome Dog was awarded to four-month-old Odin, Debby Perry’s charming Jack Russell-Spaniel cross, whilst Meg, owned by Monty Wallace, took the crown for Prettiest Bitch. Karen Lowe, donning a black bobble hat with black and white clothing to match her Bernese dog Ella, won the Dog Most Like Its Owner!
Many thanks go to Helen Tuthill, founder of dog specialist company Holybrooks, who judged the competition with her keen eye for all things canine. In addition, a £40 gift voucher was awarded to the 'Best in Show', won by Meg, which was kindly donated by Tell Tails Photography.
The touch rugby tournament saw ten teams compete, playing a total of 23 games during the afternoon. Old Vikings, ranging from teams of leavers from 1979 to 2016, along with four staff teams and an invitational team of netballers including former staff member Miss Chelsi Challis, came together to demonstrate true sportsmanship and Shiplake spirit. Johnny Reed and his team of 2016 leavers were crowned winners for the second year, after coming top in their pool, knocking out the 'Ringas and Rangas' team led by OV Ian Brown in the semi-final and winning a highly contested final against 'Hugh's Nomads'. Thanks to the referees from Reading's In2Touch club for their impartial management of the games, and for also stepping in as 'super subs' on the odd occasion!
Making an appearance on the pitch was Headmaster Gregg Davies who said ‘despite the unpredictable weather, a great day was had by all. It was fantastic to see so many Old Vikings back to visit and I'm pleased to confirm that the staff members are now talking to each other again. Congratulations to Assistant Head Academic, Mr Paul Jones, who was awarded the Man of the Tournament award.'
Local ales and bottled beers supplied by the Rebellion Brewery offered a welcome refreshment to both players and supporters, while fresh pulled-pork baps were given to members of all teams who played in the touch rugby tournament.