Sports Report 4 February 2020

We had an epic amount of fixtures this week, including Shiplake hosting one of the first Rugby Sevens Tournament of the season. There were some fantastic results in cross country and rowing and well fought matches in netball, football and hockey.

Rugby 7s Tournament

Shiplake hosted one of the big school 7s tournaments on Sunday, considered a key indicator on the road to Rosslyn Park. 16 top rugby schools took part including some of the best sides from the XV season just gone such as Clifton College, Dulwich College, Tonbridge and Cheltenham College, to name just a few. But it was Wellington College that sealed the title to claim The Cracknell Cup, named after Old Viking and former England 7s player, Chris Cracknell.

Fifteen Rugby provide a round-up of the tournament, which starts: "Wellington College took their fifteen-a-side form to the sevens field on Sunday as they claimed the Cracknell Cup at the Shiplake 7s. Shiplake College hosted a seriously strong group of schools, as demonstrated by the list of semi finalists that saw reigning champions, albeit form 2018, Cheltenham College, the ever strong Dulwich College, and one of last term’s very best teams in the country, Clifton College, lining up with Wellington." Click here for the full report and all results can be found at www.shiplake7s.co.uk.

Shiplake's 7s Captain, J Walne reported:

Having only had three training sessions, the team approached Shiplake 7s as part of their preparation for the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament. Our first match was against one the pre-tournament favourites, Clifton College. After a promising start from Shiplake, Clifton's experience showed and they gained a well-deserved victory. The pattern continued for the next two pool games against Marlborough College and Downside School. However these games saw Shiplake’s performance improve as we gained further experience of the seven-a side game. Although Shiplake lost narrowly in the knockout game against Haileybury, two early scores and some solid defence showed how the team had developed throughout the day. All of the boys played extremely well and we look forward to next weekend at Pangbourne 7s.

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Cross Country

On a bitterly cold January afternoon (Tuesday 28 to be exact) seven of Shiplake's swiftest runners travelled to Radley College for the Oxfordshire County Cross Country Championships.  

Undeterred by the brutal inclines and ankle-deep mud, all of our athletes performed superbly well. The star performers were T Lebeau - finishing 2nd in the U15 boys' category and N Dunn, who finished 3rd in the U19 girls' race. Their tremendous results mean they now have the option to represent Oxfordshire in the first round of the county championships. R Ash also deserves a mention, placing 10th in the U19 boys' race, which puts him on the reserve list for the squad.  F Middleton, F Fox, M Griffiths and A Hunt also ran very well, with all of them finishing in the top half of their races.   

Cross-country often goes under the radar as a school sport, but I think the discipline and determination it requires says a lot about those young people who took part. All of our runners were a credit to the school and it certainly gives us scope to enter more events in the future. 

Report by Mr D Miller

Football

U12A v Reading School

It proved to be a game of two halves for the Under 12As with a great performance in the first half but ultimately this was not backed up in the second half and after taking a 3-1 lead into half time we lost 6-3. The first half showed great movement from the team and confidence grew with B Savidge and C Andersson scoring but contender for goal of the season O Griffin scored a real cracker towards the end of the first half. The team switched off after half time and made some unnecessary mistakes and this allowed Reading School to exploit our mistakes and scored in quick succession to take the game away from Shiplake. A lot of lessons will have been learnt from this and the team look forward to going again soon!

U12B v Reading School

It was a tough match against Reading School with the final score finishing in a 3-0 defeat for Shiplake. There was some great tackling from F Baikie, and T Stalder showed some great speed on the wings. A Dean was in great form in goal saving a few strong shots but ultimately three shots proved unstoppable. We kept our spirits high and worked hard for the whole game and will train hard in the final few weeks of the season.

1st XI v RGS Guildford

Shiplake 1st XI travelled to RGS Guildford and enjoyed their best performance of the season. They instantly looked comfortable in possession on an excellent surface and it was clear that our players are growing in confidence and composure on the ball. B Bryan, J Walne and B Rivett were excellent in defence throughout and rarely allowed RGS to get a shot on target. The midfield three of W Richards, G Head and J Durcan controlled the game and regularly won possession in the midfield.

Captain W Richards scored from a corner midway through the first half to give Shiplake the lead and there could have been more goals before half time. Both teams looked to play passing football throughout, in a match that was very enjoyable to watch.

RGS levelled the scores with 10 minutes left to play and in the final portion of the game Shiplake applied a lot of pressure on the home defence. S Farrell led the attack well and looked dangerous creating a number of chances. As we look towards our game at Abingdon on Saturday we will try to improve our finishing and attacking movement in and around the opposition box. Final score 1-1.

Report by Mr P McCraw

2nd XI v RGS Guildford

Shiplake travelled to RGS Guildford’s playing fields for their third game of the season. The referee blew his whistle and the game was underway. Guildford applied pressure but a strong defensive back four of A Buchanan, M Healy, C Creighton and L Sauboua contained them. Unfortunately, after a couple of positive attacking runs, Guildford’s striker slotted a deflected finish past F Brown in goal (who later went on to have a great game making many crucial saves). Shiplake bounced back, putting Guildford under pressure and won a penalty which W Symons converted right before half time.

Shiplake resumed their high intensity in the second half and the game fell into their hands when Guilford’s center back was sent off for deliberately hand balling the ball off the line. Shiplake took the game into their hands and slotted two past Guildford. Shiplake saw great attacking pressure put by A Arnold, H Hanif, F Ellis and A Rigby. Shiplake also saw strong wing back play by F Diver and J Hazell who moved into those positions towards the end of the half.

Man of the match went to L Sauboua who moved into centre midfield from left back in the second half as Shiplake saw their results out: 3-1.

4th XI v RGS Guildford

A good win by Shiplake College. H Bachelor with an outstanding hat-trick and good all round performance. Strong performances also by S Green, M Gaza and J Stevenson, with another good show by goalkeeper F Cherry. Thank you to all those who conducted themselves at all times with cool heads, professionalism and respect.

4th XI v Abingdon School

They say football is a game of two halves and here it was demonstrated more than ever. At half-time, the fearsome fourths - despite losing some key individuals at the last minute, including their goalkeeper - were clearly on top and could have been winning. After conceding an early, dubious penalty (VAR, where are you now?) Shiplake were barely troubled by the opposition thanks to fierce resistance from H Down, H Stokes, S Green and others. In the meantime, determined and creative midfield play culminated in a deserved equaliser as a dazzling cross by stand-in captain W Kayll found the head of in-form H Batchelor, who masterfully headed beyond the opposition keeper. With an astonishing six goals in three games, there is no stopping him...

Alas, in the second-half further penalties and misfortune in defence (not helped by the weather and lack of a willing goalkeeper) led to defeat, with the normally dynamic midfield struggling to find their usual rhythm.

But one bad half an hour will not get them down, and our heroes return to action on Wednesday where, hopefully restored in strength and spirit, they will doubtless redeem themselves against Gordon's School. They haven't been beaten, they've just been made angry!

Thank you to the players, who as a team at all times showed respect, professionalism and sportsmanship, which was commented on by the Abingdon coach. Final score 6-1 to Abingdon

We go again!

Rowing

Saturday was a busy day for the boat club with the Seniors racing at Wycliffe Head, the J15, J16 and girls racing at Hampton Head and the J14s being hosted by Radley College for a private fixture. 

Wycliffe Head provided great racing over the 4.5km canal course. The crews raced in both the morning and afternoon division gaining vital race experience and great training. Division one saw our two matched J18 boats finishing 3rd and 4th behind a good Shrewsbury and St Edwards crew. Our Open 4+ finished 4th. In the afternoon the crews were changed around to make less equal boats to see if we could produce the fastest crew of the day in the Open 8s event, so a stronger 8 and 4+ was put together as well as a second eight. The Open 8 took the win posting the fastest time of the day 16 seconds clear of the next quickest crew. The Open 4+ set the fastest time of the day for coxed fours, 52 seconds ahead of the second crew. The second 8 finished 10th in Open 8s.

The J16s, J15s and girls raced at Hampton Head. The J16 eight had a fantastic result winning their event by 6 seconds. We had two matched J15 8s again this weekend. One came 3rd in the J15 1st 8s, and the other won the J15 2nd 8s. These boats were very evenly matched and only split by 0.2 seconds over the 3km course. The girls finished 4th in the quad and 4th in the double. 

The Year 9s had some great competition against Radley on the ergos and Tug of War and finished off with a spot of tea before leaving. With the river improving we hope the Year 9s will start to get more water time to start improving their rowing skills. 

Another positive weekend of racing that highlights the great training the group has done over the winter months.

Report by Mr D Currie

Netball

Girls’ U18A v Holyport College

On Wednesday Shiplake played Holyport in their second match of the season. Knowing it was going to be a tough game Shiplake began the game strong with tight marking. This allowed us to turn the ball around. A strong attack meant Shiplake was able to get the ball into our attacking D giving the shooters L Stalder and M Simpson more chances at the goal. At half time it was 11-12 to Shiplake. Shiplake was determined to keep the lead for the second half. There were many great interceptions by our defence, M Jobson and H Austin which kept the ball out of our defending D to reduce Holyport’s attempts at shooting. This allowed Shiplake’s centre court players to create space and move the ball back up the court. The final score was 28-20 to Shiplake. M Arora received player of the match for amazing consistent shooting throughout the match.   

Report by E Hodson, A Team Captain

Girls’ U18B v Holyport College

On Wednesday 29 January, Shiplake B team played a fantastic match against Holyport. The girls knew they were in for a hard game with it only being their second match of the season and the Holyport B team being of similar standard to their As, however, they remained positive and focused throughout. Shiplake started off well, scoring two goals within a matter of minutes despite Holyport having the first centre pass, due to some excellent shooting from S Griffin and efficient movement and passing from A Selwyn. As the play progressed Holyport began to take the lead and by half time had scored multiple goals, however, Shiplake came back fighting and continued to work the Holyport players, with the game remaining in the centre third for the majority of the match.

L Pasmore and R Seimon made some great interceptions, interrupting the fast pace of Holyport’s players, and successfully moving the ball up to the attacking third, allowing S Joyce and A Hallam to score some more goals in the second half of the game. Shiplake’s defence worked hard in the final quarter, with L Worthington and P Wallace blocking many of Holyport’s shots and turning around their attacking passes, leading to movement up the court and an attempt to close the gap between themselves and Holyport. All the girls had incredible positive attitudes and gave great encouragement to their teammates despite the disappointing result of the match. Well done to A Selwyn for achieving player of the match for the second week in a row and having a consistently positive impact on both the game and her teammates. 

Report by A Hallam, B Team Captain

Hockey

1st XI v Radley College

On the back of an emphatic 5-0 win last week versus Leighton Park we were ready and feeling confident to take on what we knew would be a tough Radley squad, so we knew we would need to up our game. With our keeper M Brommell now back from injury and back to full fitness it relieved C Creighton of his duties from the previous week, meaning he could slot back into the midfield and it definitely had a big impact. 

The game started strongly for the team testing what we had been working on mainly through the season which was our defensive structure. As expected Radley piled on the pressure from the off. But our defense of Z Tilley, J Underwood, H Kunzig and H Watts gelled together building on the partnership that is growing stronger every week. We managed to chanel them which made it difficult for them to actually create anything and get any shots off. The few shots they did have, were saved brilliantly by M Brommell who I have heard some referring to him as the Allison Becker of hockey and even the brick wall, so we knew we were safe in his hands. 

As we settled into the game most of the second part of the first half was dominated by Shiplake with a very strong midfield filled with A Langeler, the holding midfielder, creating all the chances which began from the back with the midfield three being on top of Radley for the entire game. A Langeler wasn't alone with the support of O Rouse Roberts and C Creighton making up an incredibly strong three to break quickly from the back. Some say they could be the best midfield trio to grace the pitch for Shiplake College. The score was 0-0 at the break and all to play for. 

After a great team talk at half time we threw loads of positives at each other which gave us focus, we knew that we created the best chances down the line. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the second half we slipped off for two minutes and in that moment we gave away a short corner, the first was saved brilliantly by Brommell but because the ball got stuck in his pads, it resulted in another short corner. Then out of nowhere like a ghost had picked up the ball it chipped top right, unsavable by any keeper. After that we lifted our heads up because we knew we were still in this with a whole half to go. 

Towards the end of the game with ten minutes to go we piled on the pressure and had so many chances and if it wasn't for the post which A Langeler struck so hard it sounded like a lighting strike, we would have scored. We had a couple of short corners towards the end with D Deakin, I Beasley and  L Rouse Roberts creating great chances left right and center with L Rouse Roberts having a particularly close chance that should have gone in but their keeper made a couple of great saves to keep them in the game. 

With our team being made up of players from years 9-13 and only having 11 players compared to Radley’s 15 (who were being rotated every 2 minutes to try to break us down) we still gave it our all, even though we were tired. Particular mention to L Rouse Roberts who may I remind you is in year 9, he managed to out strength a year 13 who was double his height for the whole game and took a stick to the face and carried on. 

Finally to finish off I would like to quote our Manager Mr Walter, who said: “That was the best performance by a Shiplake hockey team I have seen in recent years.” 

I am very pleased with how we played and very excited to see how far and well we can do throughout the rest of the season.

MOM : L. Rouse Roberts

Report by Z Tilley, 1st XI Captain

2nd XI v Radley College D

We sadly had a few injuries and illness, which meant us borrowing a few of the U15s for the match and also left us finding a new goal keeper. The U15s all came and did their very best and contributed as much as they possibly could. It was a pleasure to watch them play and they deserve great credit for never giving up even when losing and playing boys who were at times, four years older than themselves.

A special mention should go to T Sale, who offered to go in goal and made some genuinely amazing saves. In the first half he sprinted across his goal, kicking the ball away at the last minute and in the second half he made three consecutive saves, all completely instinctive!

J Perry was Man of the Match, after an amazing performance, particularly in the second half. He showed a great combination of courage, determination and skill.

It was 9-0 at half time and it was clear that Radley had played a lot more hockey than the Shiplake boys. We decided that we would play the first to two goals in the second half before changing things a little. Shiplake held on for an amazing 10 minutes, before conceding the first goal of the second half, showing tremendous determination and commitment!

We ended up changing goalkeepers (to T Sale's huge credit, we did not want to see him go to the opposition!) and then the defences switched, with Shiplake scoring in the last minute of the match.

Another steep, but good learning curve.

Report by Mr M Griffiths

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