In the closing weeks of the Autumn term, teams faced penultimate and, for some, final, matches of the season. The U13A team enjoyed their last game not just of the season, but also as boys from Lower School. They now look to move into senior teams, pursuing passion for the sport through the school. A fitting end to their season, with a victorious match against local rival Leighton Park. The U14A team, although with another match to fight before they hang up their boots for Christmas, also had a good day at the office, leaving with yet another victory under their belts.
Rugby
U15A 66-5 Seaford College
Mr Richard Curtis provides the following report:
'In attacking terms this was by far the best performance of the term. For the first time this year, the Shiplake U15s managed to retain possession for extended periods of time so that they could apply the necessary pressure to crack open the Seaford defence. The backs were given a plethora of quality ball to work with following some solid work up front from the forward pack. Score after score came their way as one runner after another threatened the opposition line with both power and pace. The only down side of the whole game came just before half-time when the Seaford full-back picked up a kick-through and waltzed outside the Shiplake defence to score under the posts, leaving the final score at 66-5.'
U14A 7-0 Seaford College
‘Again the conditions were treacherous on Riverside with seriously strong winds making play and especially the lineout a real lottery. However, the Shiplake team coped superbly playing some wide expansive rugby into the strong wind throughout the course of the first half. Max Smith ran brilliantly from the base of the scrum, whilst Adam Porter made some telling wide runs on his return to the side. Isaac Beasley and Seb Hjortland Marks were superb over the ball and the other forwards contributed to clearing breakdowns to produce very quick ball for the backs. At half time the game was scoreless but the Shiplake team was confident as they had the wind behind them in the second half. Small errors crept into our game and it was left for Rory Diez Harrison to capitalise on a Seaford mistake to chip ahead and score beneath the posts. The team and especially Cameron Jones tackled bravely with Mason Thorne and Billy Parrish making powerful midfield runs to keep the determined and very successful Seaford team at bay. The game finished 7-0 to Shiplake and was a perfect example of why rugby is such an important tool in the development of young men. There was commitment, skill, good manners and respect shown between both sides before, during and after the game. A wonderful spectacle of school sport; well done to all involved.’
Director of Sport Mr James Gaunt
U13A 35-21 Leighton Park School
Pupil Ben Ferguson provides the following report from their final, victorious match:
‘Shiplake came into this match really looking forward to showing off skills that we’ve learnt in what was our final match of the season. Shiplake started brilliantly, with aggressive tackling and hard running. However, soft tackling resulted in a try to Leighton Park. Shiplake bounced back from this, with tries from Ralph Burrows and Luke Theodorou, making the score 14-7. As we approached half time, Shiplake let two more tries over the line, leaving the score 21-14.
Coming into the second half desperate to even the playing field and end the season on a high, every player put in a big performance, with all contributing to an excellent display of rugby. Ben Ferguson led from the front, with some strong running that saw him score two tries; a great ending a strong season. Theodorou scored once more, making a final score of 35-21 in what was a tightly fought victory. This was a great way to finish the season, and rugby careers in the Lower School. We now look forward to moving onwards and upwards with the beloved sport, as we move into senior teams.’
