The last week of fixtures ended the season on a high: the teams have been working all term and the last results showed just how much effort and determination had been put into the season. Against local rivals who put forward a worthy fight, the Shiplake teams had some victorious results and can enter the Spring Term with their heads held high.
Rugby
U15A 24-15 Halliford School
Mr Richard Curtis provides the following report from the triumphant last match of the U15As:
‘Three last-minute cry-offs meant that Shiplake went over to Halliford with just 14 players. Having scraped a win last year the omens were not good. However, Shiplake took to the field in buoyant mood and prepared to be positive throughout. Some excellent ball retention in the first ten minutes saw the U15s firstly move the ball into attacking areas and then striking to score two quick tries. Exuberance then got the better of the visiting team and, in attempting to play too much rugby, Shiplake gave up possession far too easily and found themselves under pressure. Dogged defence restricted Halliford to just a single try out wide. The concession of this try brought the day’s focus back into mind – keep the ball. Following a number of phases Shiplake came storming back with another try just before half time.
The second half again saw Shiplake trying to push too many buttons and this opened up many an attacking opportunity for Halliford; from which they converted once. With the game finely balanced Shiplake surged forward for one last time, having been reduced to 13 by this stage, and scoring under the posts. A magnificent way to end the season and just reward for all the hard work put in by everyone over the course of the term.’
U14A 60-7 Halliford School
‘The Shiplake U14A XV were given the rare privilege of playing on the 1st XV pitch and were also lucky enough to be refereed by the Headmaster, Mr Gregg Davies. The boys made a slow start conceding a try after just one minute after a series of soft tackle attempts. However, this sparked us into life and we started to ensure that we played with width by sticking to the principle of making at least two passes after each breakdown. This allowed us to stretch our opposition and also meant that we continued to shift the focus of our attack. As the first half wore on the team started to react more sharply to each other’s decisions and tries from Barney Rivett, Rory Diez Harrison and Adam Porter meant that we went into half time with a 22-7 lead.
As the second half started it was evident that the width of our game had had its toll on the Halliford players and as their team fatigued extra width and link play meant that our intensity and desire to play fast paced offload based rugby proved too much for them to handle. Big forwards like Mason Thorne and Rhys Ash started to carry in the midfield. Will Richards and Oly Frisby made incisive wide incisions into the heart of the opposition defence whilst Max Smith, Isaac Beasley and Seb Hjortland Marks made several barnstorming ball carries. Josh Walne must be commended for his work over the ball and Christian Gale supported him ably. The ever present Cameron Jones is a very effective half back who simply allows others to benefit from his play. His intent to move the ball effectively from the break down meant others had space and broken fields to attack. Billy Parrish was simply outstanding and must be commended for the progress he has made as a centre. The fast surface of the New Field made this an ideal venue for our last game of the season and the team can take tremendous heart from the progress they have made as individuals but most importantly as a team. They can be very proud of themselves for everything they have achieved this season. The final score fell at 60-7 to Shiplake College.’
Director of Sport Mr James Gaunt
