Sports Report

12 October 2014

On the weekend of Saturday 4 October, Shiplake faced a block of rugby fixtures against notoriously difficult opponents Bloxham School. However, solid performances from the 1st XV and U15A teams in addition to convincing wins for the U15 and U14 B sides gave our boys plenty to smile about.

Shiplake 1st XV 0-7 Bloxham School

After a heavy defeat against Bloxham last year, the Shiplake 1st XV were extremely determined to put up a greater fight. This was evident from the first whistle with a ferocious start. Shiplake came desperately close to scoring on many occasions but costly handling errors and poor execution meant they were unable to cross the line.

The maroon defence then switched off for two minutes, and that was enough for Bloxham to seize the initiative and take the lead. Shiplake regrouped and built more pressure, earning a penalty in the Bloxham 22. Taking a shot at goal, fly half Toby Howe was hugely unlucky to see his effort rebound off the post.

Some inspirational words from Mr Beckett and Mr Armstrong saw Shiplake carry their momentum into the second half. Consecutive line out malls gained important yards, and at the other end Billy Sayers made a magnificent try-saving tackle to keep the score at 7-0.

Vice captain Tom Harman commented: “Despite not managing to level the scores, it was undoubtedly our strongest performance of the season so far. We are looking forward to the rest where more wins are bound to come. The forwards worked well as a group and Toby Howe had a particularly good game.”

Shiplake 2nd XV 14-41 Bloxham

The 2nd XV found the going tough against Bloxham, who demonstrated the strength in depth they possess at senior level. After a one-sided first half, Shiplake did well to respond in the latter stages and get some points on the board. Centre Tom Banks scored both Shiplake tries.

Shiplake U15A 19-21 Bloxham

As soon as Bloxham kicked off, the game was intense and fast flowing. Shiplake started quickly with good play from the forwards until the move broke down with an unlucky knock on.

After a few phases of play from Bloxham, they gave away a penalty allowing us to kick for touch. The ball was knocked on by Bloxham in the lineout giving us a scrum on their 10m line. A good scrum by the Shiplake pack secured the ball. The ball came out to the backs, with good hands we managed to get it through to the centers allowing Ryan Jones to run through the defensive line and open the scoring. However, Bloxham did not give up and managed to equalise with a good break. Shiplake will feel like they could have defended better.

In the second half, Bloxham managed to get an early try to make the score 7-14. We responded well and pressed them into giving way another penalty. A quick tap and go lead to us scoring under the posts.

Ryan Jones scored his second of the match to put Shiplake in the lead late on, but with only a few minutes to go they wore us down and managed to score and convert to snatch the lead back again. Shiplake were now desperate and were giving it everything but unfortunately could not beat the clock.

Joachim Ridley-Barker (Year 10)

Shiplake U14A 7-53 Bloxham

This game was a prime example of why U14 A XV rugby is not an environment for the faint hearted. A lack of togetherness ultimately cost us dear and the focus of next week’s training will need to be our defensive shape, especially whilst defending multiple phases. After conceding two early scores, orchestrated by the more than impressive play of the Bloxham outside half, we found ourselves firmly on the back foot. The side turned over possession too much and missed far too many first up tackles. The introduction of Joe Ruffle added some impetuous and the hard work of outstanding centre Matty Fitzgerald gave us some go forward, but their efforts were thwarted by the determination and commitment of an impressive Bloxham unit. A hard week of training awaits before the challenge of Pangbourne next week.

Mr Gaunt