Fresh from two weeks off, five Shiplake rugby teams were in action this week. The boys enjoyed mixed fortunes with three victories and two defeats. The 1st XV look in great shape ahead of the upcoming Friday Night Lights fixtures, while the U14A continued to make strides in the Oxfordshire Cup.
Shiplake 1st XV 32-0 Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Boys
The Shiplake senior squad got back to winning ways after the half term break with a good run out against Haberdashers’ Aske’s from North London.
After constant waves of Shiplake attacks, Jonny Reed hit a very good line to score the first try with Fili Savou adding the extras. This was shortly followed by a perfectly executed line-out which led to the second try. After collecting clean ball, vice captain Tom Harman led a very strong maul all the way to the line.
The relentless pressure continued as Jonny Reed soon added his second try of the game to make the score 17-0 at half time. Direct running and solid defence capped a very pleasing half for the home side.
A small degree of complacency set in during half time leading to a slow start, and Shiplake were almost made to pay. Several try saving tackles from Charlie Proctor were required to prevent Habs from scoring. The game was then put beyond any doubt with two tries in quick succession from Fili Savou.
Tom Harman put the icing on the cake with his team’s sixth and final try, picking up from the back of a scrum to make the final score 32-0. Shiplake only have one more game to prepare for next week’s huge Friday Night Lights event, and will be eager to reach the top of their game.
Shiplake 2nd XV 21-35 Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Boys
Fresh from a two week break, Shiplake kicked off and made a positive start to the match, spending the first 20 minutes camped inside the opposition’s half. It was very disappointing that this pressure did not yield any points and Shiplake were soon made to pay.
Sloppy defensive mistakes and inadequate fitness were to blame for the leaking of five tries, and the Shiplake come back came too late to repair the damage. Team coaches Mr Mallins and Mr Sharkey will take heart from an improved performance in the last 20 minutes, when Shiplake looked very dangerous in attack. Nick Burnage also kicked very well, with a 100% conversion record.
Shiplake U17 Development Squad 10-40 Forest School
Shiplake U14A 53-7 Farringdon Community College
Cup games are never easy but the U14A team did well to maintain their discipline and shape to record an impressive 53-7 victory and continue their run in the Oxfordshire Cup. Head coach Mr Gaunt was determined for the boys to embrace the theme of the week; off-loading. The players responded well to this, taking every opportunity (well most!) to avoid contact and keep the ball alive.
Tries from Fitzgerald, Shortland, Davies, Howard and Bradbury ensured that the opposition rarely got a look in, although one defensive lapse by Shiplake was punished by Farringdon resulting in their only try of the game. The try of the match came from Harry Bradbury who completed a move which involved deft handling by at least six of the Shiplake players.
Shiplake U14B 21-14 Pangbourne College
The freshly darkened November sky swirled ominously above the ground, as the boys prepared to try and win their seventh consecutive match. Winter's chill mingled deliciously with pubescent tension - adding to the atmosphere of the much anticipated return fixture.
Shiplake made a nervy start - conceding too many turnovers at the breakdown and, despite some excellent counter attacking from wingers James Roxburgh-Smith and Joe Kerison, Pangbourne's territorial advantage eventually told; 7-0 to the local rivals. This try was swiftly followed by a Lombardian team talk from assistant coach, Mr Peter Muhley.
These words of wisdom seemed to spur Shiplake into action, and they began to build pressure by looking after the ball. The aforementioned possession resulted in a try beneath the post from No.8 Sam Ellis, and Fly-Half (Dom Hance) duly converted... 7-7. Not long after this score, Pangbourne once again broke the defensive line and scored a converted try to put them 14-7 up at half-time.
The second half saw some excellent work from the forwards, with Richard Adams and Luke Mullins making some important turnovers. This allowed the backs to get the ball out wide and stretch the Pangbourne line. The pressure eventually told, and Sam Ellis ran through for his second try of the match. Once again Dom Hance did well to score the pressured conversion.
Despite increased pressure in the opposition's half Shiplake couldn't score that final try. Tim Pitman came close, but the ball was judged to have been held up on the Pangbourne try line. Just as it looked like it wasn't going to be Shiplake's day, James Roxburgh-Smith broke down the wing and set up a ruck on the 5 metre line. The result of this was that Sam Ellis was able to drive for the line from close range and score his hat-trick (match winning) try. Consistent as always, Dom Hance added the extras.
A great performance and a pleasing result. The streak continues...
