With the first fixtures of the year now behind us, we look forward to spending the year cheering on our pupils as they put their Shiplake 7 hats on to display those qualities that make our students so uniquely talented. We'll see motivation, determination and reflection over the coming months, as our boys and girls compete in Football, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Cricket and more sports than you can shake a hockey stick at!
Football:
1st XI v The Oratory School
After a great first week of training, the 1st XI were determined to start their first match quickly and positively, by attacking with volume and displaying willingness to chase down the ball. This behaviour materialised and after plenty of neat play, Shiplake scored a fabulous goal. Debutants Gosby and Diez-Harrison combined on the left before being assisted by Hillman, who coolly slotted into the bottom right corner with his right foot. 1-0 Shiplake after 15 minutes.
The second goal came from the opposition and good work from Roxburgh-Smith and Christie led to some last ditch defending. Eventually, the ball found its way back into the box and Hillman used his left foot this time to dispatch the ball into same corner of the net from 15 yards out. Shiplake were playing well and, perhaps most importantly, enjoying themselves. A short period of calm followed; then, after an unfortunate deflection, The Oratory School equalised with only 2 minutes of the half remaining. The half-time team talk was simple- ‘keep playing the way you have been and the third goal and win will follow.’
Early in the first half and after some strong tackling by Ruffle, great defensive strength from Braun and Walne, Shiplake remained positive and did not let their head’s drop. The crucial goal of the game came half way through the second half. Theodourou released the ever dangerous Christie... he neatly played the ball across to Hillman, and the left foot finish beat the keeper and secured a hat trick! The rest of the game was comfortable until a dubious free kick was awarded and The Oratory’s stand out player scored a lovely free kick into the top corner. Goalkeeper Acton was unlucky as he stretched and tipped the ball onto the post, only for it to drop over the line. The final whistle blew and Shiplake were delighted with their 3-2 win.
2nd XI v The Oratory School
Shiplake dominated possession in the first half, with Cameron Dalziell and Joe Gillen, in particular, showing composure on the ball and linking up well with teammates. Shiplake created a number of opportunities by playing early passes in behind their opponents’ defence, while The Oratory struggled to cope with the pace of Matt Dalrymple and Paul Studd. After a number of near misses, Paul Studd bundled the ball into the net to make it 1-0, shortly before half time.
The highlight of the game came early in the second half, a powerful left footed shot across the goal line nestled into the right corner of the net. Oratory came back into the game midway through the second half and scored to make it 2-1. It seemed that Shiplake had settled the game when Ben Westbrook-Burr headed a dangerous cross towards the goal and Brad Wilkins tapped in to make the score 3-1. There was, however, to be late drama when Oratory scored a penalty with 10 minutes remaining. Much to the relief of Shiplake players and coaches, the boys held on for a 3-2 victory. Shiplake’s 2nd XI were delighted to get off to a winning start with a 3-2 victory over Oratory 2nd XI.
U15A v The Oratory School.
The match kicked off and Shiplake were eager to start well and keep possession. After a few minutes, Oratory managed to put a goal-bound kick over our defence and scored the first goal of the match. It wasn’t long before Oratory managed to score another. This wasn’t the start that our boys wanted but we were determined not to let them score again. The rest of the first half was well fought by both sides, with great end-to-end play but the first half ended 2-0 to Oratory.
The second half kicked off and the great end-to-end play continued with Shiplake creating the majority of chances. Eventually, Luke Roxburgh-Smith managed to put a ball through to Luke Theodorou who put a great cross into the box for Josh Gibson to score the first goal of the second half. We were then motivated to score another and level the game but Oratory started to create more chances. With not long to go, Oratory found space as Shiplake committed men forward and managed to get a cross in and put the ball in the back of the net. The match ended 3-1. It was a hard match and as a team we know we have a lot to work on in training this week ahead of our next game against LVS.
A special mention to Monty Greenaway who played his first game as goalkeeper.
Report provided by Kai O'Hare
U14A v The Oratory School.
Despite losing heavily last weekend, the team continued to work hard, and for each other, right up until the final whistle. Tom Carpenter played very well in the centre of midfield - supported by the constant running of Freddie Ellis and Ollie Stalder. Despite the final score reaching 9-0 to The Oratory, the Shiplake boys enjoyed the harsh learning experience and know what they have to do to up their game!
Hockey
U13B v Lord Williams's School
Lord Williams’s School kicked the game off but Shiplake attacked aggressively, right from the off and Charlie Moss got an early goal for Shiplake. The U13s carried on putting pressure on Lord Williams's until they got their reward: Taj Angell crossed the ball into the D for Luke Byca to tap it in for a second goal. However, Lord Williams's were persistent and got a goal back. A few minutes until the end of the first half, Charlie Moss made a great pass to Angell to achieve their third goal. The score at half time was 3-1 to Shiplake.
The opponents began the second half with the intention to bring back the game. Shiplake’s defence was good enough to hold back the fast Lord Williams's attack until the opponents put a great pass through to their own central attacker. This brought the game to 3-2 in the last few dying minutes of the game. Lord Williams's took a short corner, which Shiplake cleared, but they game straight back to score their third goal to tie up the game three all. The overall Shiplake performance was very good against a tough team for the start of the season.
Report provided by Finlay Woods
Netball
Girls B Team v Upton Court
After the intense pre-season training, it prepared the girls to come back in the New Year and play their first game. With the girls eager to put their practise into play, Shiplake started the first quarter with high intensity, with Upton Court rising to the challenge and matching our play, making the scores very close. Great centre play from Hannah Burnett allowed our girls to keep the pace up throughout the match, which meant that Upton Court had a high level of game play to keep up with. Once finishing the first quarter, the scores were very close, meaning that the team were even keener to keep up with the intense play. A few position changes were made to ensure that each player had a chance to play a variety of positions and to challenge the team when marking their opponents.
Shiplake started the second quarter well, already with at least four goals under their belts scored by Megan Tooley and Daisy Stuart. This success continued for the rest of the game, leaving Shiplake in a very good position. Despite being tired in the final quarter, the Shiplake girls didn’t give up and went on to finish the match with the same intensity they began with, making the final score 36-14 to Shiplake. The girls were all thrilled with the final score and they hope to keep succeeding in future matches. Captain Emma Renwick would like to thank the team for their efforts in this first outstanding match and she hopes that they continue this throughout the season. Player of the match goes to Megan Tooley.
Report provided by Captain Emma Renwick
Other Results:
Football
- 3rd XI v The Oratory School - Lost 2-1
- 4th XI v The Oratory School - Won 3-0
- U15B v The Oratory School - Draw 3-3
Hockey
- U13A v Lord Williams's School - Lost 2-3
Netball
- U18C v Gillotts School - Draw 0-0