With many people away on trips this week we have a brief sports report to indulge in today. It was a mixed bag of results but every one had fun and the weather was kind which made for a lovely day.
Cricket Reports
Shiplake College 1st XI v Oratory 1st XI
Shiplake were overcome by the Oratory on Saturday, in a 35 over game, having bowled the visitors out for 89, with good displays of bowling from both openers. In reply, the visitors came hard at the Shiplake batsmen. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the Oratory were well captained to victory winning by 4 runs, as the home side were all out for 85. Shiplake lost by 4 runs.
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Shiplake College U15 A XI v LVS Ascot U15 A XI
Shiplake lost the toss and were asked to bowl first against the LVS Ascot side. Given the very overcast conditions and damp wicket this was perhaps a surprise. Despite the early 9.30am start it was apparent that Shiplake really were on their metal. Oliver Dorrell was at his excellent best taking three wickets in his three overs for just 9 runs. Again he was supported brilliantly by James Roxburgh-Smith who bowled a lovely line and length to trouble even the most competent LVS batsman. From there wickets continued to tumble. Ingram (5-3) and Theodorou (14-3) both took 3 wickets. Theodorou then started to experiment with his field, placing players cleverly to continue to apply pressure to the LVS batsman. Max Haynes then came on to get the last wicket in only his second ball and LVS were bowled out for 33. Ben Atkin, opening for the first time, with Josh Howard brought energy and enthusiasm to the crease meaning that Josh Howard was left to play his powerful straight shots. Shiplake took just 6 overs to chase the total and did this comfortably losing no wickets in the process to win by 10 wickets. Josh Howard finished on 13 not out and Ben Atkin on 18 not out. Shiplake College U 15 A XI win by 10 wickets.
Shiplake U15 A XI v Oratory U15 A XI
In our second 20/20 game of the day we came up against a very powerful Oratory side. Oratory won the toss and put us in to bat. Hardly surprising given that they had three boys who really could bowl with genuine pace. Despite losing the early wicket of Ben Atkin we began to settle and got used to the pace coming onto the bat. Josh Howard clipped two lovely boundaries through the leg side and Tomas Gorringe stood up bravely to the pace bowlers. Howard was dismissed to a very impressive catch and then Lucas Brooks went to a good slip catch. This brought the lively and effervescent Captain Callum Theodorou to the crease. He batted well taking great singles and therefore making sure the score board ticked along. Rees, and then Roxburgh Smith joined him before he was dismissed leaving Harry Ingram to face a few last deliveries as we reached a respectable 92 runs. The stand out batsman was Tomas Gorringe who finished on 33. The side agreed that being the last time they would field together they would make enjoyment and energy the key focus. I felt like I needed ear plugs at square leg! Once again our impressive bowlers went about their work but four dropped catches, yes four (!) let the momentum slip. However, Theodorou and his excellent off spin grabbed one wicket and Harry Ingram who bowled with superb line and length all day grabbed a second. Oratory eventually reached our total with 16 balls to spare but this was a very commendable effort against a very powerful side.
Mr James Gaunt, Director of Sport at Shiplake commented that; “The side have been a pleasure to coach throughout the year and I am confident that almost all of them will go to play some 1st XI cricket at some stage”.Oratory won by 8 Wickets
Rowing Report
Shiplake College J14, 15 and 16’s were out in force at Thames Valley Park Regatta (TVP) on Sunday. This is the last Regatta of the year for all these boys so it was one last chance to get a win before moving up an age category next year. Unfortunately, there were no wins but a few finals were made with great racing experience had by all crews. Huge congratulations to Ben Brockway (year 9) for competing in his first ever single sculling race.
Other notable performances were the J15 B 8+ who narrowly missing out on making the final to Kingston Grammar School. The J15 B 4+ who made the final in great style and just missed out on taking the win by one foot to St George’s College. Although a disappointment for the boys, it was great for them to be in a close contended race.
Mr David Currie, Director of Rowing commented that; “There were fourteen Shiplake crews competing this weekend and all had great racing experience. This will hopefully fuel their desire to come back next year and row for the school. It has been a fantastic season for all our younger crews and I am very excited to see them back next year”.
The Senior Girls raced at Henley Women’s Regatta, this is one of the most prestigious regattas that our girls compete at. The regatta is held on the famous Henley Royal Regatta course and starts with a time trial to reduce the entries down to 16 crews, these crews then go through to race in the side by side regatta the same format as HRR.
Unfortunately, the Girls four, double and single did not make it out of the qualifying stage; just missing out by being the fastest non qualifier or second fastest non qualifier. Hugely disappointing for the girls to have all missed out by the narrowest of margins, but the experience was useful for them and adds to their motivation for next season.
