Now that Shiplake has defrosted, our pupils have been back out on the pitches, and after such an incredible result at the Schools Head of the River, Shiplake aren't slowing down any time soon. The Junior Bs Hockey team had a brilliant result, as did the U18A Netball team who also took another win!
Netball
U18A v Gordon’s School
On Monday, Shiplake A’s played one of their best matches of the season. A good steady start to the match led to an amazing finish to the season with Shiplake winning 37-23 against Gordon’s. Even with Gordon’s A’s being removed from the league and their B’s replacing them, Shiplake were still quite nervous due to a long two weeks without a match, due to the weather.
The first quarter was crucial to ensure a good start to the match for Shiplake. Thanks to Lydia as shooter, they managed to get the first goal of the match but soon lost their league, finishing the first quarter with a score of 8-7 to Gordon's. The game was very tight from then on, Gordon’s scoring a goal but Lydia and Tory followed straight after.
Half time came along quickly and the score was still very close. After making a few changes by putting Darcy as wing defence, Georgie as centre and Jem as wing attack, the girls were soon keen to get back on the court. Thanks to Shiplake B’s support and Coach Lou’s advice, Shiplake really stole the game by scoring an amazing 22 goals and only letting in eight. Thank you to Miss Mordue for being an amazing Umpire and to all the girls that played, especially Lydia for getting player of the match.
Report provided by Jem Evans, A Team Netball Captain
Football
1st XI v Reading Blue Coat School
Shiplake's 1st XI had never beaten Reading Blue Coat...until today. The reaction of the players at the final whistle told the story of an epic match. Relief, jubilation and satisfaction were clear because the team fully deserved their victory. Results this season have not reflected the style and quality of football produced. Lots of reflection and a clear game plan came led to a fantastic result.
The first 15 minutes belonged to the away side, with high pressing by Ben Monson and Ben Atkin accompanied by a midfield masterclass by Joe Ruffle and Callum Theodorou. Shiplake had the majority of the possession and looked comfortable. This has happened all season but with limited end product. Today was different and there was a clear goal threat in the team. On 12 minutes, skipper Ruffle burst into the box, rode a challenge and had his sights on goal. The coaches were begging him to shoot but he ignored their polite requests and instead squared the ball into Theodorou's path and he neatly tucked the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. Game on...something to hold onto and the belief blossomed.
The intensity of closing down the opposition, positivity of forward play and intelligence of playing in the correct areas of the pitch, meant that Shiplake could have been further ahead at half time. There was an element of fear at half time, but a tactical change, with Will Richards coming on and holding in the midfield, nullified Blue Coat’s attacking opportunities. Marcus Hillman's control of the right hand side gave the team some breathing space. Matty Fitzgerald was outstanding in the centre of defence and was ably supported by Gosby, Walne and Roxburgh-Smith at the back. Suddenly the last five minutes were upon our boys and the resilience started to fracture. Yellow cards for rash challenges by Kerrison and Acton gave plenty of opportunity for Blue Coat to deliver into the box...but the defence held firm throughout the ten added minutes the referee decided to play.
A big well done to the team. 1-0.
Hockey
U12B v Luckley House
The U12B Hockey team continued with their first season of Hockey fixtures with a game against Luckley House. Despite some energetic runs in attack from Harry Richards, Shiplake were unable to convert these chances into goals. Luckley House scored three but would have been more had it not been for some excellent saves in goal from Oliver Renwick.
U14A vs Sir William Borlase
Shiplake started the game on the back foot by playing with only 9 players compared to Borlase’s 11. With Borlase pressing early on, it required good defence from Henry Poustie and good goalkeeping from Alex Turner to keep Shiplake in the game. Shiplake had some good chances with the some great runs up the pitch and accurate passes but none were converted. At half time, it was 2-0 to Borlase.
The second half was much better from Shiplake as they dominated the midfield and got even more chances. After excellent attacking play from Jack Lynskey and Henry Kunzig, it was only a matter of time before Kunzig dribbled past the keeper to make it 2-1. Shiplake played very well and should have had another but some missed chances and consistent play from Borlase made the final score 2-1. MOTM goes to Henry Poustie for his accurate passes and control of the defence.
Report provided by Jai Angell
Junior Bs v Windsor
Following their victory last week, Shiplake started the game with confidence and expectation and from the start; Windsor Boys were pressed hard into their defence. Shiplake made some great passes along both wings and through the centre of the pitch opening up some potential opportunities. Halfway through the first half, Windsor Boys gave away a short corner. Our boys capitalised on this and Dom Mealing scored a brilliant goal smashing the ball into the bottom corner. The first half ended with Shiplake 1-0 Windsor Boys.
After an inspiring team talk, Shiplake knew what they needed to do to win the match. Some great defence from Henry Poustie and Jasper Beardmore kept Windsor Boys from scoring in the second half. Towards the end of the second half, Windsor Boys came close to scoring but Jai Angell skilfully deflected the ball away from the goal. The match ended 1-0 to Shiplake continuing our short run of victories towards the end of the season.
Man of the Match: Henry Poustie for some solid, great defence throughout the match.
Report provided by Harry Watts
