Yet another mixed bag of wins and losses. Our U12s and U13s had a brilliant time at the Lord Wandsworth Tournament, and certainly came away having made improvements and identified improvements to be made. Meanwhile the 1st and 2nd XV travelled to battle it out against City of London Freemen's and our girls played Hockey against Claires Court and Reading Blue Coat.
Rugby
1st XV v City of London Freemen’s
The match started well with Shiplake starting on the front foot and taking the ball to the line. Shiplake managed to put in waves of attack and soon found themselves pushing Freemen’s back to their try line. The opportunity came to get over the try line but sadly, Shiplake could not capitalise, this would not be the only chance. Shiplake quickly recovered from this with a break from Josh Howard who had the two on one with the defence where he gave it to Josh Walne, who was tackled just before the line put popped the ball back up to Josh Howard to score. 7- 0 to Shiplake. The boys then continued with a relentless attack with some great running lines from Fyn Brown, Jamie Gibbs and Ben Stacey, which soon led to being on Freemen’s try line again. Some lovely pick-and-gos, which have been heavily worked on (and much to Mr Armstrong's delight, Matty Fitzgerald was able to dot the ball down for another try). 12-0 to Shiplake. The boys coming complacent soon led to Freeman’s scoring with an excellent worked line out move that the boys could not cope with. This soon resulted in a try for Freemen’s which made the score 12-5. With this in mind, Shiplake hit back with another try from a set move that lead to Matty Fitzgerald breezing through a gap and getting under the posts, leaving the score at 19-5. Freemen’s then fired back with another try, off the line out again, with Shiplake failing to defend it leaving the score at 19-12. The boys then put the pressure back on Freeman’s, with Jack Rees getting a try. Shiplake went into halftime with a 26 – 12 lead.
Shiplake made it harder than they needed to, but put their focus on closing out their first win of the season. Shiplake kept looking like they were going to score, but even with some lovely plays the ball would not always go to hand and Freemen’s were given the chance to play – an opportunity they made the most off. Freemen’s scored again, putting the score at 26 - 17. The Shiplake defence really stepped up and even with a lack of discipline, managed to really put the pressure on in defence. Isaac Beasley led this with some aggressive defence. A penalty in front of the post was given to Freemen’s, who put it over to make the score 26 - 20. This led to body on the line defending for Shiplake to claim their first win of the season, much to the happiness of all the Shiplake boys on the field and their supporters off.
The 1st XV now face Cokethorpe on Wednesday 17 October before a few weeks off over half term.
2nd XV v City of London Freemen’s
The game started with poor discipline from both sides, resulting in multiple penalties giving easy territory away. This led to some negativity within the side. However, some quick pick-and-gos from Tremayne boosted the forwards over the line for the first try of the game. Following this, London Freemen’s scored and converted a penalty. The first half finished 10-10 with Gorringe slotting a quick penalty to end the half.
Shiplake started the second half with a high tempo. Some pressure in the opposition’s 22 resulted in a turnover and a quick movement, changing the direction of the 9-10 channel allowed Archie Buchanan to dive into the corner to score the first points of the half. This advantage in the game was furthered by a great catch from Tom Gorringe taking an attacking kick over the line. Shortly after, another try came from Joe Ruffle under the posts. This was Shiplake’s last score of the game.
Players of the match went to Morgan Taylor and Rory Abery.
The final score was 27-15.
3rd XV v Cranleigh School
Last Saturday, the 3rd XV travelled to Cranleigh School for a friendly match against their Under 18E team. The match began and from the off, Shiplake brought on the pressure despite the long bus journey. After the first five minutes, our boys found themselves on the enemy try line with a great finish from Ollie Frisby on the right wing. However, their lead was not maintained and the opposition scored a returning try with a successful conversion shortly after, leaving the score 5 - 7. With the high winds picking up, the 3rd XV decided it was best to have short distancing between the attacking line, utilising strong moves involving the fullback Jack Burgess with quick inside ball allowing Shiplake to break through the defensive line.
Half time brought more glory to the back line, with Ollie Frisby and Sam Battisson both making strong runs through the back line, bringing the score up to 19 - 7. Although Shiplake were able to keep up their strong defence, Cranleigh were able to slip through and score a few more tries. The final score was 19 - 22 to Cranleigh. Well done to everyone who played, with special mention to Patrick John Morrissey for making some large movements on the wing and Jack Burgess for some outstanding try saving tackles.
U16B v Merchant Taylor’s School
The U16Bs went into their match with their heads switched on and prepared, as they knew what the opposition were capable of. The match kicked off and Shiplake immediately began meeting Merchant Taylor’s at the break-down. Overtime, the ball was contested between both teams in the middle of the pitch, neither wanting to lose any yards or possession. Shiplake played really well to hold them back. Merchant Taylor’s scored a try just as the U16Bs began to tire on the break away. However, they were not prepared to give up, so they immediately chased down the ball and managed gain possession through a great tackle from Harry Clarke. Shiplake immediately began to hit the opposition back, hard! The boys were determined not to give up, so they kept going, weakening Merchant Taylor’s until they finally gave way. Shiplake had now scored two tries; one by Mathew Healy and the other by Ralph from a number 8 pick-up. Going into half-time, the score was 12-7.
The second half began and Shiplake went into the half like the first, strengthening their position at rucks and putting in some major tackles, particularly from Jack Murray and Kesha Sarkytbayev. Within no time, Shiplake had scored again, twice. Throughout the match, Shiplake kept to their training and cemented their place against Merchant Taylor’s. Final score, 24-14 to Shiplake.
Men of the match: Mathew Healy and James Radford
U15C v Merchant Taylor’s School
After a rocky opening match against Merchant Taylor’s two weeks ago, which showed moments of potential, the U15Cs were keen to hit back at them in retaliation. It was a cold, wet start to the morning but by the time the match kicked off, the sun was shining.
With a good opening kick from Charlie Stewart, Shiplake were immediately on the front foot and were clearly up for the challenge. Both teams defended well, but a breakthrough on the opposition’s wing gave them the first try, which they converted. Shiplake came back at them with a sensational run from Johnny Miller and some great passing Charlie Stewart scored Shiplake’s first try.
Both teams continued to play some brilliant rugby and some particularly outstanding defensive work from Shiplake prevented a second try by Merchant Taylor’s. However, they continued to push hard and through some strong crash balling, eventually got their second try.
Following an inspirational half time talk by Dr D’Rozario, Shiplake improved their lines in the second half and with the help of supporting runners, achieved their second try by Johnny Miller with another superb solo run.
Despite the U15Cs’ huge improvement from their first game, it was not enough to hold out against an improved Merchant Taylor’s, who went on to score an additional two tries. Final score 22-10 to Merchant Taylors.
Huge congratulations to the whole team who put in 100% effort. Man of the match: Tom Sharp
U14A v City of London Freemen’s
It was a long journey from Shiplake to Ashtead but great fun and chat on the bus meant that the team was buzzing and excited about the forthcoming game! Thankfully, the rain stayed away, which meant that our boys could play the fast-paced rugby that they had been practicing during training this season. The opposing team had drawn against Reading Blue Coats (who have previously beaten this team), so they knew that it was going to be a battle. The U14As thought they were playing against 16 men, as the referee seemed to be perhaps favouring them. This certainly slowed Shiplake down for most of the first half. Eventually, after a lot of pressure, Olly Roullier forced himself over followed by two quick tries from Olly Lewis- the second was a particularly phenomenal effort – which took some of pressure off. Just before half time, the lead was further extended after great hands and great speed led to Reuben Logan going over in the corner. After a great team talk, Shiplake started the second half playing into a strong wind. Sam Gillen scored two tries and Reuben scored another after a superb break and feed from Milo Griffiths. By this time, the B team were supporting us loudly, and the U14As finished the game strongly. A great win and performance by the whole team. 43-0 to Shiplake College.
U14B v City of London Freemen’s
On Saturday 13 October, the U14Bs played against the City of London Freemen's school, their fifth match of the season. They kicked off and started forcefully. Shiplake showed good tackling in defence and good passing when attacking; Harrison Harper started the try scoring by scoring twice. Matthew Grundy also scored and so did Daniel Henson. James Durkan converted all of these tries. Just before halftime, Harry Hickman and Henry Doyle also scored. At half time it was 40 – 0.
In the second half, the U14Bs attacked well. They made a few runs on the wing, which consequently led to Fred Cripps to score in the corner. Shiplake’s breakdown skills were extremely good, allowing our boys to turn the ball over quite often, which allowed Zac Morrison to score under the posts. Following another nice conversion, everyone was informed that if an U14 team reaches the score of the 50-0 the game has to be called off, so that is what happened. The final score was 52-0 to Shiplake.
U14C v Merchant Taylor’s School
Shiplake’s U14Cs were eager to perform well against Merchant Taylor’s as they had previously lost to them. Within the first two minutes, Roma Shainsky scored a quick try, giving Shiplake the lead; sadly, the conversion wasn’t scored. Merchant Taylor’s performed well by passing the ball quickly amongst each other, but Shiplake then won the ball back in a ruck and scored a try shortly after. Just before the end of the first half, Merchant Taylor’s scored a try and a conversion making the final score 15-7.
By the time the second half came around, the U14s were exhausted. Merchant Taylor’s managed to run through the Shiplake defensive line, which allowed them to score multiple tries. By the end of the match, the score was 33-20, to merchant Taylors.
U13A v The Oratory School
We arrived at Oratory School on a hot, sunny Tuesday afternoon. Oratory kicked off and Louie Rouse-Roberts caught it, before it was lost. The ball came out of the ruck and was passed down the line to one of the Oratory players who intercepted the ball and scored a try. That didn't stop Shiplake, and with some good play from both sides, the ball was in the Shiplake end and our boys were just pushing back from their line when one of their players slipped through and scored the Oratory’s second try. The U13As received the ball and pushed back at their opponents, winning all the rucks. Sam Chambers made an amazing run and went over for Shiplake’s first try.
The U13s kicked off, but an Oratory player caught it, leading to a ruck. Soon, the ruck was won and Shiplake were in possession of the ball again, and again Sam went over for the second try. It was now 3-2 to the Oratory.
Nevertheless, our boys didn't give up, and they made one final push before halftime. Louie caught out the defence with a quick tap-and-go and went over for Shiplake’s third try making it 3-3 for halftime.
After half time, the U13As kicked off confidently with their heads up and once Josh Hamer went over with an amazing run, they were very confident. Before the end of the game, tries were scored by Sam, Louie and Josh Hamer, leaving the score at 8-3 to Shiplake.
Report provided by Louie Rouse-Roberts
U13s at Lord Wandsworth College Tournament
The U13s went into their first match with a positive attitude, despite it being an extremely cold day. Their first game was against Christ’s Hospital; Shiplake received the ball from the opposition’s kick off, but unfortunately knocked the ball on in their first pass. The opposition leapt on the ball and scored a try. In the last 3 minutes, Daniel Coles broke though and scored Shiplake’s first try. The final score was 3-1 to Christ’s Hospital
Once the boys were all refreshed and ready for the next game, they received the kick off this time. One of Lord Wandsworth’s strong runners caught the ball and they took the opportunity to run hard through the Shiplake defence to score. Finally, in the closing minutes and after a handful more tries against us, Shiplake won a strong ruck from which Josh Hamer passed the ball to Louie Rouse-Roberts to run the ball in. The final score was 5-1 to Lord Wandsworth’s College.
In their last game of the day, the boys were desperate to win. Our boys received the kick and the 12 minutes started. Shiplake lost the ball and the Churcher’s School scored. With six minutes to go, the U13s received the kick, which landed in Louie’s hands. He dodged past the defensive line and ran the pitch to score in the far right corner. The final score was 3-1 to Chucher’s
Report provided by Louie Rouse-Roberts
U12A at Lord Wandsworth College Tournament
In the first match, Shiplake dominated with possession in the first half and then, out of nowhere, Zac Lloyd made a spectacular run and paced through the defence to go and score the first try of the day. In the second half, the opposition pushed back with brilliant passing but the Shiplake team was able to keep the line and didn't let them past, giving the first Shiplake victory.
In the second match, Lord Wandsworth’s tackling was hard and they kept possession to go on and score a try. Then the rain started and it was very cold but the boys didn't let that stop them. Will Rider ran through the defence to score a try. Lord Wandsworth then pushed hard and burst through the Shiplake defence to score their second try and win the game.
The boys lost their third game and then rallied for our last match. They started strong, with Zac Lloyd tackling loads of the opposition to allow Henry Steel to run round the side to score the first try of the game. The opposition ran as fast as they could and cut through the Shiplake defence to score a try. Shiplake were passing really well, which helped Henry Steel score his second try and ensured the boys won their last game.
U12A v The Oratory School
On Tuesday 9 October, Shiplake U12As travelled to the Oratory for a rugby match. In the first half, they started fast and that allowed Archie to run though the defence and score the first try. After the Oratory kicked off, Shiplake pressed hard which forced them to make mistakes. The boys had to scrum down and after several attempts, got the ball out for Archie to run round the defence and score another. Shiplake kept breaking through the defence to finish the half 6-1.
In the second half, Shiplake could see that the Oratory had a good team-talk as they were putting in better tackles and rucking harder. This didn't stop Alfie Malcolm storming through the defence and putting one more down. We ran through the defence again and again, one of which was by Henry Benton who ran and ran and at the try line, passed to Will Rider to score another. At the end of the second half, our boys were being pushed, but from a knock-on, Archie picked up the ball and ran the whole length of the pitch to score.
The final score was 11-1, with Archie scoring four, Will Rider with a further four, Henry Benton scoring one, Alfie Malcolm scoring one and Stanley Massie scoring one.
Hockey
1st XI v Claires Court School
For the 1st XI’s first away game, Shiplake were determined to get a win. Claires Court had first centre pass. With a lack of concentration, Claires Court had scored within the first minute. From the shock of such an early goal, Shiplake woke up and drove the attack. With excellent defence from Maddy, the ball was injected into their defensive half. With strong attacking play from Ellen and Georgie, Shiplake were given a short corner opportunity. With a great push out from Tory, Hattie received the ball well and went for the shot. After a missed shot, and a powerful swing, Shiplake gave the ball away to their defence. Shiplake persevered well and hassled their attackers well. With the ball bouncing to and fro from each half, and only a few minutes to spare until half time, the girls were determined for a goal. From a strong halfway line hit, Ella received the ball in the D. Claires Courts’ goalkeeper ran out to meet Ella, however with great skill, she dodged the goalkeeper and scored in the left corner with 5 seconds to spare.
Going in to the second half, Claires Court had centre push back again. With a recurrence of events, they managed to score within the first five minutes. Shiplake continued to persevere and hassle for the ball. With excellent feeding from Tory to Beattie, Shiplake had many shots on goal and maintained play within their defensive half for the duration of the final half. Despite Shiplake’s tenacious attitude to win, the final score was 2-1. Well done to all the girls for their determination. Player of the match went to Ellen Hodgson.
Report provided by Rhian Edwards
2nd XI v Reading Blue Coat Girls
Last Wednesday Shiplake’s 2nd XI put up a good fight, but lost to Blue Coat’s A team. Shiplake started the game confidently with the first centre pass and strong passes from Amelia and Hannah Sexton got the ball down the pitch. However, Blue Coat managed to get the ball back down to their goal flipping the ball over our players’ sticks. With a stronger skill set, Blue Coat were able to score a goal. However with good defending from Emily we were able to pass the ball through their attackers. After a long, tough game Blue Coat continued to score, however we remained positive and continued with 100% effort. Even though Shiplake lost, all girls played really well within a tough A Hockey League. Player of the match went to Issy. Well done to everyone who played.
Report Provided by Ella Roullier
