This week of fixtures brought some disappointment and some elation; Shiplake's teams impressed with skills honed during the season.
Football
1st XI 0-5 Reading Blue Coat
The 1st XI played the final fixture of the Thames Valley ISFA League, against local rivals Reading Blue Coat. With some good performances but poor results behind us, and the final football fixture for our Y13s, we went into the game really wanting a result.
The first half started well, with the defence dealing with any early pressure and with some good build up play from our midfield. Callum Goodliffe really protected the defence in the CDM role, and restricted the opposition to long shots. Adam Hunt looked a threat on the left wing and Freddie Ireland was controlling midfield. Ben Arnold, who started in the 3rd XI earlier in the season, and through good performance found himself in the 2nd XI and now the 1st XI for this fixture, never stopped running up front and is an exciting prospect for next season. Some good play down the right with Freddie Lock and Marcus Grun linking well also gave us some hope, but we could not get the break-through in the first half, which ended 0-0.
We went into the second half with high hopes, and started well. However, when Blue Coat had a shot parried on to the feet of their attacker for their first goal, they smelt blood and did not let up. The shots kept coming towards Toby Brough in goal, stepping in from the 2nd XI due to an over-congested fixture block. Despite his best efforts, his blocks and fingers tips were not quite enough to stop another four going past him. The introduction of Miles Bridgeman gave other options going forward, but it was not enough and the game ended 5-0 to Bluecoat.
A disappointing end to a disappointing season, but with several students from Years 11 and 12 introduced into the squad this year we are already looking forward with anticipation to next season!
Mr Richard Ebbage
2nd XI 1-7 Reading Blue Coat School
Conditions were perfect as Shiplake 2nd XI took to the field for the last time this season and, for some seniors (including Tom Harman, Will Clarke, Jack Sherman, Nick Burnage and Jonny Graham), it was to be their last ever football match for the College. Shiplake started well, moving the ball effortlessly from front to back- sometimes in just one pass. After 15 minutes the score was still 0-0 and the match looked like it could go either way…unfortunately, it went the way of Reading Blue Coat. Half time score: 4-0.
After some inspirational words from the head coach/referee, Shiplake took to the field once more. The 2nds started the half with great passion and purpose, but it wasn’t long before Blue Coat made it 5-0. This, however, seemed to galvanise the Shiplake team, and some long periods of play inside Blue Coat’s half eventually led to a classy finish from the dynamic Sam Hallat; the words ‘comeback’ started the be whispered around the ground. However, despite the crowd’s optimism, and team’s best efforts, 5-1 became 7-1 before the final whistle…
Noteworthy performances include Tom Harman, Nick Burnage and George Greenaway (if only he had played all year!)
Not the most successful season, but an enjoyable one all the same.
Mr Duncan Miller
U14A 1-2 Bearwood College
After a dominant performance in the home fixture against Bearwood, Shiplake went into the away game in a positive frame of mind. The match started at a frantic pace, with neither team managing to get hold of the ball in the middle of the park. Bearwood seemed much more comfortable on what was a small pitch; Shiplake seemed to struggle to get to grips with the game and Bearwood found a lot of space midfield. Shiplake’s slow start in the game resulted in a headed goal from a looping Bearwood corner. The half time whistle came at just the right time with Shiplake on the back foot, but still in the game at 1-0.
After several half time tactical changes, Shiplake started the second half with much more impetus, quickly winning a corner from their first attack. Mathew Dalrymple whipped the ball into the near post where it was met by Matty Fitzgerald, who stroked the ball home to leve the score. Sadly, concentration was not at its best from the restart, and Bearwood got a goal straight back to go 2-1 ahead. Shiplake fought their way back into the game, and created several good opportunities; however, the Bearwood defence stood firm and could not be broken down. The final score finished 2-1 to Bearwood. Shiplake will look to get back to winning ways in their final game at home to Thorpe House next week.
Mr Joel Rowlinson
Shiplake Staff 5-0 Foster Wheeler
Shiplake’s staff team proved they can teach lessons on the football pitch as well as in the classroom with a resounding victory over Foster Wheeler. The engineering firm has over 13,000 employees, but Shiplake’s work ethic and team spirit was enough to upset the odds.
After an hour-long journey to Fleet, the match started in cagey fashion. Chances were at a premium, with a stinging drive from Mr McSweeny the best either side could offer in the first half hour. Relentless running from Mr Gaunt and Mr Miller helped Shiplake exert their authority on the game, and this paid dividends in the 35th minute when Welsh Resident Tutor Miller broke the deadlock with an angled left-foot finish into the top corner. At the other end, solid defensive work from Mr Ebbage, Mr Rowlinson and man of the match Mr Walter ensured the Shiplake goal was rarely threatened. The score remained 1-0 until half time.
As the opposition began to tire, the maroons enjoyed more freedom on the ball and were soon causing more problems. A quickly worked indirect free-kick brought the second goal, slotted home by Mr McSweeny. Mr Grable proved as reliable on the left wing as he is in the ICT support office with a number of menacing runs, while Mr Moffatt (who fortunately was able to borrow a pair of boots having brought his golf shoes by mistake) continued to hold the ball up well in attack. The goal of the game came next, as Mr Miller’s pace again proved too much to handle and he smashed home a half volley into the roof of the net. More resolute defending followed, with Mr Walter refusing to be beaten in the air all game.
Walter and McSweeny added two goals late on to add further gloss to the scoreline. Overall, it was a very good day at the office.
Hockey
1st XI 2-1 Abingdon
Having come to the match off the back of a win, the 1st XI knew exactly how they needed to approach the fixture. Having practised it throughout the week in training, we wanted to keep possession and play our own game. Dom Allen immediately piled pressure onto Abingdon, forcing a mistake and allowing Shiplake to gain control. Shiplake were on a constant counter-attack, with Orla Brown and Yeem Chanthanawan working hard, resulting in multiple chances. This took the pressure off the Shiplake defence as the Abingdon forwards drew back. Jonnie Meadows played a significant role in the first goal as he and Harry Marsden tore the right wing apart to fire the ball to the centre of the D for Chanthanawan to put away. Abingdon weren't going to sit back- they used their key players to create plays. This was dealt with perfectly by Liam Peachy and Will Gresswell, as they constantly took the ball and moved it straight up the field. Daniel Deakin was able to dribble the ball around Abingdon's low defence, with Tim Herbert scoring. Our defence was weak as we got complacent; a short corner lead to a penalty flick, which was miraculously saved by Jack Tooley.
We picked up the second half the way we left the first; with Abingdon fighting for a goal. It wasn't long before Abingdon had a clear opportunity, which was wasted by a missed hit. Unfortunately, Liam Peachy scored an own goal which put Abingdon up! Thankfully the match finished in our favour, at 2-1.
Barney Aldridge
2nd XI 2-1 Abingdon
We got off to a flyer when Tom McCooke let fly from the edge of the D and roofed a reverse stick shot into the top corner. The opposition were clearly stunned but ironically, it did us more harm than good, as we switched off after that and allowed Abingdon to come onto us. Much of the rest of the first half was therefore spent defending in our own half. It must be said that a sterling performance by our defenders, especially Chris Baker, kept us in the game. Inevitably, they scored from a short corner to make it 1-1 at half time. After some in-depth self-analysis during the break, we came out in a much more determined frame of mind and always looked threatening, with Finn Arbuckle and Henry Atkinson making some great runs down the right. Eventually a cracking shot from Freddie Davis gave us the lead, which we held onto right to the end. A good win over a strong Abingdon side.
Dr Bob Snellgrove
Junior Colts 2-2 Abingdon
Due to the opposition’s onward travel arrangements and the late start time of the previous match, this game was shortened to 20 minutes each way. Shiplake started poorly, lacking any self-belief and consequently went 2-0 down in very quick time. However, once they had seen what the opposition had to offer, the Shiplake team started to get their act together- but not before the half-time whistle had gone.
The second half was much more free-flowing, which suited the home side more and some raking long passes out of defence soon caught the Abingdon team napping, and Shiplake levelled the scores at two apiece. Despite dominating both territory and possession in that second half, and limiting Abingdon to only one shot on goal, time ran out and Shiplake were unable to force home a winner. Definitely one that got away!
Mr Richard Curtis
House Hockey
Last week saw the return of House Hockey, as all houses took the pitches to battle it out. Mr James Gaunt was tasked with keeping score, and the students were keen to impress. Despite the freezing weather, energy levels were high and each house gave it their all. There were spectators aplenty with the houses not playing staying around to watch their rivals, offering support and encouragement from the sidelines.
The results have now been verified and congratulations to Burr House, who managed to win the top spot on goal different. They are now looking forward to lifting the Cup!
Rugby
U12A 7-24 Holme Grange School
It was our final game of the season, and so the desire for a good result was high. We kicked off and immediately let our opponents have possession, and go through to score an early try. We soon replied with a great try from Theo Fewtrell that was swiftly converted to get the score level. We came together well as a team, and dominated play in the first half.
The second half kicked off and both teams worked hard, but a lucky break for Holme Grange allowed them to score a try and take the lead. We were unlucky to lose Ben Willis, Max Way and Luke Taylor to injury, and we struggled to hold ground against some powerful players. In quick succession Holme Grange scored two further tries, and ended the game 24-7. Despite the loss we showed great determination and played well to show just how far we have come in one season.
Kai O’Hare
To see more photos from Wednesday's fixtures, please click here.
