Lots of fixtures to report on in today's Sports Report as we catch up on the many football fixtures that took place throughout the week! We also catch up with our senior girls' netball teams, and our boys' U16 rugby 7s team who competed at a tournament.
Football
1st XI vs Pangbourne College
Shiplake started very much on the front foot with the early minutes seeing us dominate possession and having a few tester shots at goal. However, it wasn't long until a set piece put Shiplake 1-0 up with a bullet header by A Mullens. We quickly went 2-0 up with F McCalley finishing off a brilliant move that started in Shiplake's own 6-yard box. With the game looking to turn one-sided, the second goal seemed to rejuvenate Pangbourne who were able to get a larger foothold in the game when miscommunication in our defence allowed for the striker to tap home into the empty net. Shiplake heads dropped and so did their concentration as again a mistake playing out from the back allowed Pangbourne to float the ball into the open net.
However, with a spirited team talk and the boys understanding tactically how we could win the ball back high, we started the second half with real intensity. After hitting the post twice within the first three minutes of the half, Shiplake were then awarded a penalty in which C Nash-Steer converted to put Shiplake 3-2 up. With Shiplake showing a lot more composure on the ball space and chances started to come in the plenty for Shiplake. This allowed C Zhou to grab not one, but two quick goals after some lovely build up play. This is how the game ended, but with some better finishing, it should have been a lot more.
Final score: Shiplake College 5-2 Pangbourne College
1st XI vs Leighton Park
A very disappointing afternoon of football saw Shiplake 1st XI slump to a 2-1 loss. From the first minute, Leighton Park were able to win every first and second ball and seemed to have significantly higher energy levels than the Shiplake team. This saw them take a 1-0 lead. With the opposition very much looking to hit Shiplake on the counterattack, it provided Shiplake with a very different task in having to break down 11 players. Throughout the whole of the first half, this proved extremely difficult with a lack of ideas when the ball was played into the final third. This was until a bit of individual skill in the box brought a rash challenge from the opposition allowing A Mullens the chance to convert from the spot. Shiplake were not level for long however, as some poor marking from a corner allowed a free volley at goal from 10 yards out.
The second half saw Shiplake much improved on and off the ball, dominating possession and creating a fair few chances to score. However, with us not quite being able to take our chances, it left the game to run out and Leighton Park be the victors.
Final score: Shiplake College 1-2 Leighton Park
2nd XI vs Halliford School
We started the game fast, playing good quality football. A tricky corner teed up F Fisher who put his name in the hat for goal of the season, after pinging one into the net from the edge of the box. From there, our heads were up and a difficult battle in midfield left us 1-0 up at half time leaving it all to play for. As the second half started, a fast start and early attempt from the opposition set the tempo for what was bound to be a tough second half. A few more attempts from them and some big tackles from I Doherty, H French and J Wilson left the result up to the attackers. After a phase of play dominated by Shiplake, the opposition managed to nick a goal leaving it 1-1 with 10 to play. Minutes later, a lovely pass from D Higgins set R O’Boyle one on one with the keeper who was able to put the 2nds 2-1 up at the final whistle.
Final score: Shiplake College 2-1 Halliford School
3rd XI vs Holyport College
A 3-2 win for the 3rd team with another tough, muddy battle. A double for J Wakefield and a special by N Rodgers who spun, twirled and pirouetted elegantly round their defence to score.
Final score: Shiplake College 3-2 Holyport College
3rd XI vs Wellington College
After a slow start and many boys struggling to stay upright, an early goal was conceded by Shiplake. However, we then got into the game and looked the better team taking a 2-1 lead into halftime. With the siege of Burgos in 1812 fresh in our players minds (where Wellington was made to retreat) we headed into the second half full of passion. The second half, however, did not have much quality to it whatsoever. A free kick and a rebound scored by Wellington brought the scores level and from then on, neither goalkeeper really looked under much threat. A draw was the right result, and a hot match tea was needed by all.
Final score: Shiplake College 2-2 Wellington College
4th XI vs Leighton Park
Both teams started on the front foot with lots of battling in midfield with few chances created for either side in the early stages. A less than pristine playing surface meant that link up play and more intricate football was hampered. The first half was heading for a stalemate until Captain S Crehan-Mills unfortunately gave away a penalty that was slotted home by the opposition striker, despite keeper K Marsh going the right way and getting a fingertip to it. Shiplake pressed on undeterred and equalised within minutes. Top scorer L Crerar continued his fine form by confidently finishing a well-placed ball by J Vivian. After an inspiring team talk from our Captain, Shiplake took full advantage of the opportunity to score early with special guest star C Zhou finishing well with an assist from S Gallagher. Striker E Chalfont netted a third after latching on to a loose backpass, in a very similar vein to his goal last week. Another strong whole-team performance with special mentions to Defensive Players of the Match T Lane and C Davey, Attacking Player of the Match C Zhou, and Most Improved Player A Kami-Hawkins.
Final score: Shiplake College 3-1 Leighton Park
4th XI vs Wellington College
Another great scrappy game from the 4ths whose unbeaten run continues. Shiplake took an early lead with a goal from midfielder N Bertenshaw after a great assist from J Vivian. Unfortunately, Wellington hit back soon after with a header after a great save from keeper K Marsh. From that point, Wellington were dominant and were very good in possession constantly stringing passes together to try and cut through Shiplake. However, due to incredible work from K Marsh and great defending from T Lane and F Pilkington, Shiplake managed to hold on. In the second half, Wellington’s barrage continued, and they eventually managed to open Shiplake up to make it 2-1. Shiplake kept defending hard but conceded a penalty soon after which fortunately came out off of the post. This, as well as some excellent tactical changes to move to two upfront, seemed to enliven the Shiplake attack. After a couple of quick breakaways, we finally won a penalty of their own after N Bertenshaw was brought down in the box whilst running through on goal following a brilliant pass from S Crehan-Mills. Having won the penalty, the team decided he deserved to take it and managed to coolly slot it home. Players of the Match went to K Marsh and S Crehan-Mills
Final score: Shiplake College 2-2 Wellington College
U15A vs King Edward’s Witley
Shiplake started the game well and put the opposition under a lot of pressure. Our first opportunity saw a lovely cross come in from S Crisford with J Ellison hitting the woodwork. Shiplake continued to apply pressure, but KES scored two goals quickly followed by their striker scoring another two unbelievable goals. R Elms, S Crisford, I Morris and T Jomer remained solid at the back putting in some big tackles and applying pressure to their attack. Heads held high, Shiplake started the second half strong with brilliant plays by J Andrews and D Siddiqui in the middle driving up the pitch allowing a few more shots on the KES goalkeeper. Moving forward, we must work on ball distribution to the wingers to allow more space for them to run and create more opportunities. Great determination from the lads meant that Shiplake won the second half with no goals conceded.
Final score: Shiplake College 1-4 King Edward’s Witley
U15B vs Wellington College
It was an incredibly tough game, but our boys did us proud and played well, never gave up, and had amazing spirit. Our goal came from E Tavinor.
Final score: Shiplake College 1-11 Wellington College
U14A vs King Edward’s Witley
With no linesman in play King Edward’s Witley duly took advantage in the opening two minutes to go 1-0 up. Back came Shiplake with some lovely flowing football and a deserved equaliser from Z Roberts who headed home at the back post from a corner. A defensive lapse let King Edward's Witley back in to go 2-1 up. But again, keeping to the principles of fast flowing footbal,l Shiplake equalised through L Waldegrave. Our quality showed in the second half as we went 3-2 up from a H Sargent free kick. Even better was his finish for the fourth - a left foot volley hammered home from the edge of the box. Inexplicably, we decided to keep KES interested with a very kind opening for them to score and make it 4-3. We saw the game out however to come away worthy winners 4-3. Superb performances from all the boys to ensure Shiplake held onto the win. Players of the Match were G Huckle and G Hotston.
Final score: Shiplake College 4-3 King Edward’s Witley
U14B vs Wellington College
On a cold Saturday, Shiplake’s U14B’s winning streak came to an abrupt end away at Wellington. In the 12th minute, the game changed dramatically as Shiplake lost the ball near the halfway line and Wellington’s number 10 took a speculative shot from just inside Shiplakes half that curled into the top corner. The next 15 minutes saw Wellington in total control and they scored another two goals. C Green came on for his debut in the second half and Shiplake started brightly again. D Mellor also started to control the game for Shiplake and his tireless determination against a well oiled Wellington team was wonderful to watch. However, after ten minutes Wellington, got their 4th to make the game safe. Credit to all the Shiplake boys as they never dropped their heads and kept fighting. We were eventually awarded a penalty that W Web dispatched down the middle of the goal to make the score line 4-1. Buoyed by the goal, the boys continued to attack but were undone by some wonderful counter attacks by Wellington who scored three more goals in the last ten minutes. The scoreline reads 7-1 but the Shiplake boys never gave up. Special mention must go to J Prowser, Captain on the day, S Vedhara, and D Mellor and J Elson who battled hard all game.
Final score: Shiplake College 1-7 Wellington College
U13A vs Maiden Erlegh
The U13A team put in a stellar performance against Maiden Erlegh School in a thrilling match that saw both sides play excellent attacking football, despite the 0-0 final scoreline. Both teams deserve credit for their approach, showing no shortage of attacking intent, with every player fully involved and eagerly searching for a moment of magic. There were many standout performances today, but L Ball battled tirelessly in midfield, and well-supported on the wings by J Verheggen and A Humphreys. The Shiplake defence also held firm, with T Jackson outstanding between the posts.
Final score: Shiplake College 0-0 Maiden Erlegh
U13B vs Maiden Erlegh
The first half was a tight contest with Shiplake dominating possession, but Maiden Erleigh getting the better of the chances at goal. O Laventure made his debut in goal and looked solid throughout, picking up loose balls in the area, and saving a couple of cracking shots. In a high tempo game, J McDavid and A Gern-Cross combined well to break down the tight defence, but clear chances on goal did not materialise. With the momentum on our side, Shiplake pushed forward in the second half producing a range of shots around the box, but not quite finding the power and accuracy to beat the keeper. Maiden Erleigh were quick on the break, and their talented striker was clinical to put two goals in the net in quick succession. Shiplake desperately tried to claw something from the game and won a series of corners and free kicks. In the final moments, J Hunt headed the ball inches over, and the chase for a comeback was over. Despite the loss, the home support could only congratulate the team on a spirited and entertaining performance.
Final score: Shiplake College 0-2 Maiden Erlegh
U12A vs Maiden Erlegh
Shiplake started the half very brightly to take an early 1-0 lead, which we were able to keep up until half time. However, a much more energised and revamped Maiden Erlegh made the game flip on its head after they grabbed the equaliser.
Final score: Shiplake College 1-6 Maiden Erlegh
U12B vs Maiden Erlegh
Unfortunately, this was a very tricky game for Shiplake in what proved to be a very one-sided match. The boys did brilliant to keep their heads up and to try and play some good football.
Final score: Shiplake College 1-8 Maiden Erlegh
Netball
1st VII vs The Marist School
An excellent first match played at home! The girls used good communication and determination to focus throughout the game with brilliant team spirit. We were very pleased with the score of 34-10 and we will use this friendly to prepare for our upcoming games to continue the up the league. Well done to Coach’s Player M Mundy, Players’ Player H Moss, and Opponents' Player A Godfrey.
Report: M Mundy, 1st VII Captain
2nd VII vs Salesian College
The 2nds played Salesian, and we improved our gameplay throughout the match as the first quarter wasn’t in our favour. We were losing 4-11 but at the end of the second quarter, we brought it back to 11-13. We saw some amazing shooting from A Flower and F Rait and we defended with great interceptions from L Dix and F Dix. The score in the end was 24-27, but we played extremely well and are improving greatly. Player of the Match was A Flower, Players’ Player was P Hart, and Coach’s Player was F Dix.
Report: M Rider, 2nd VII Captain
3rd VII vs The Oratory School
The 3rd VII won 12-11 with M Spooner making some amazing shots and R Clayton displaying some ruthless defending. We are proud of the girls and the progress that we have made so far this season. Player of the Match was A Holden.
Report: I Davenport Thomas, 3rd VII Captain
4th VII vs Reading Blue Coat School
Wednesday’s match was an uplifting one as we secured our first win at 15-7! I am so proud of everyone’s determination and all the girls really focused and maintained the same energy throughout the entire game. A Rawlinson was on top shooting form and played a crucial part in the win by scoring virtually every shot she took- making her entirely deserving of both Players’ Player and Player of the Match! A real sense of teamwork showed in this match which led to us working the ball fairly seamlessly up and down the pitch and this was lovely to observe as everyone’s strengths really co-ordinated effectively.
Report: N Howard-Jones, 4th VII Captain
U16 Rugby 7s
Well done to our boys’ U16 rugby 7s team for winning the Gordon’s 7s Shield Competition over the weekend. Following a tough group that included big rugby school such as Sherborne and Wellington, the boys rallied to beat The Oratory School and St Benedict’s to win the Shield Competition. A great first outing and the boys really grew into the tournament.
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