The first week back after half term proved very successful; the teams were feeling fresh and focused and their determination showed with some very strong results. An excellent start to the second half of the term!
Rugby
3rd XV 20-0 Pangbourne College
Shiplake overcame a spirited Pangbourne side thanks to some excellent rugby in the first half. The precise running of Jonny Meadows and Miles Bridgman ensured that Shiplake scored two excellent tries in the first half, through scrum half Fred Ellis, and marauding flanker Vincent Thomann. Both tries were converted by Miles Bridgman, who also added two penalties.
Pangbourne came back strongly in the second half but some spirited defending from Shiplake meant the final score was 20-0 to Shiplake.
U14A XV 21-10 University College School
‘The U14A XV continue to grow as a squad, improving technically and tactically as each week passes. With a large number of established players out injured, some of the stronger B XV players were given a chance to impress, and this they most certainly did! The conditions were absolutely treacherous, with standing water making the pitch extremely muddy and difficult to handle the ball on. However, Shiplake managed the pitch brilliantly in the first half by ensuring that they kicked the ball deep into the opposition half at every opportunity. Callum Creighton was instrumental in this. Tries by Rhys Ash, the outstanding Harvey Greenaway and the inspirational Captain Rory Diez-Harrison meant that Shiplake took a 21-0 lead by half time.
University College School hit back with two quick tries in the second half, but missed their conversions. Christian Gale, in his first game for the A team, led the defensive effort, tackling everything that moved. Seb Hjortland Marks and Thierry Althorp supported him well and Max Smith put in another barnstorming performance. Cameron Jones box kicked excellently at times, and helped to relieve the pressure as the second half wore on. Our team spirit meant that our line was not broached again, and we won a really tough game by 21-10.’
Mr James Gaunt, Director of Sport
U13A XV 31-0 Thorpe House School
‘The U13A team put in their best performance of the season with a hard fought victory against Thorpe House School. The Shiplake team quickly settled into the game with a spectacular early try from Luke Theodorou, who was supplied with an excellent wide ball that enabled him to exploit the opportunity. This certainly was a great start to the game, but much of the possession was then with Thorpe House, as we worked hard on defence and unfortunately made a few unforced errors when in good positions. Thankfully, the team did respond to this, with Luke Theodorou securing his hat trick towards the end of the second half, for what was very much a man of the match performance. The forwards also worked hard during this game, with some very dynamic running from fly half Kai O’Hare. This enabled Zach Kennedy to cross the try line for a brace of tries. This was an incredibly pleasing game, and we are now looking forward to our final fixtures with real optimism.’
Mr Tom Crisford
