Another week of fixtures that saw Shiplake display fighting spirit across the sports.
Rugby
U12A 28-38 Salesian School
Shiplake came into this match hopeful of continuing a four game
winning streak. Salesian started the game strongly, with a lovely high kick
off, that caused a knock on and set for a nervy start to the game. Shiplake
again put in some almighty tackles, but unfortunately a gap was found in our
defence and Salesian scored. Our response was positive, and we kept possession
in Salesians’ half for a considerable length of time. Eventually, a gap was
seen and the ball passed along the line to the Winger, who sprinted for the
corner. However, Salesian tackled and, from the resultant knock on, the Salesain
Winger collected the ball, managing to sprint the length of the pitch and
score. Annoyed about this try, we maximised our effort, scoring a try.
Although we were losing, heads were kept high and, within
five minutes of the second half starting, Casper Hjortland-Marks crossed for a
try. With the belief that we could still win this game, we played some
outstanding rugby, and ended up camped on the Salesian 5 metre line. It looked
as though we could score again; however, Salesian intercepted and managed to
score another try. Despite this setback, we pulled together as a team, ending
the game with a final try.
By Ben Ferguson
U13A 52-29 Salesian School
We faced Salesian school on Tuesday 10th March.
Not only big and strong, they were also persistent. Shiplake started with the
first leading try by Jerome, scoring within the first minute. We used the width
of the pitch, and from the breakdown we passed the ball all the way to Left Wing
Jack Underwood, and another try was awarded to Shiplake. Despite the fact that
we were leading the game, Salesian pushed through the defence with big players,
and managed to score their first try. We were not willing to be let down by
this, and intense pushing allowed us to break their defence. A gap on the right
wing allowed Rory Diez to run through, side-stepping the Full Back and earning
another try. Despite persistence from Salesian following this, we would not
back down and made some brilliant tackles which lef to Salesian knocking the
ball forward. We played this to our advantage, scoring another try.
The second half saw some changes. Salesian took early
possession of the ball and scored another try. Amazing tackles and beautiful
breakthroughs were made, but it was not enough to stop Salesian scoring another
try. Fast passes to Toby Gorringe resulted in another try for us, and we ended
the match with a confident win.
By Rory Diez
Football
U14A 1-1 Sir William Borlase School
Both teams started the game strongly, with the ball being
tossed around in midfield. Shiplake then grew into the game and began to see a
lot more of the ball in midfield, winning the majority of first and second
balls. This midfield domination led to several well-worked attacks, which put
the Borlase defence to the test. This persistent attacking led to the opening
goal for Shiplake, when a darting midfield run from Matty Fitzgerald resulted
in an edge of the box strike rebounding off the keeper, which was swept home by
Callum Theodorou.
At the half time whistle, Shiplake had protected their 1-0
lead and more than held their own against a solid Borlase team, who steadily
improved as the game progressed. After some half time changes by both teams,
Borlase started more brightly, winning the ball in midfield which led to a
scrappy goal inside the six yard box. Shiplake regrouped quickly and again had
more of the ball, with Alex Shean making some excellent forward runs down the
wing causing plenty of problems for the opposition. As the game wore on, both
teams created a number of half chances and the play moved from end to end,
however, neither team were able to capitalise on the opportunities they
created. The game finished 1-1 which was a fair result, as both teams had
played well.
Mr Joel Rowlinson
Other Results
Football
1st XI 0-6 Forest School
2nd XI 2-3 Forest School
4th XI 0-6 Forest School
3rd XI 2-2 Forest School
Rugby Union
U12A 0-45 Gillotts School
To see more photos from this week's fixtures, please click here.