Coming down from the excitement of Friday Night Lights, our pupils haven't been able to tear themselves away from the Rugby and Hockey pitches. Brilliant results from the games against Pangbourne, and fantastic to see such amazing attitudes to the Rugby from our younger players.
1st XV v Pangbourne
The game started with Shiplake getting on the scoreboard early after the biggest surprise of the season so far; Isaac Beasley scoring a try. This was followed with Matty Fitzgerald getting the extras. Immediately, Pangbourne tried to put more emphasis on their forwards’ momentum. However, Shiplake retained their shape and got on the scoreboard through the impressive forms of Blazer award winning Matty Fitzgerald, scoring in the corner through some built up pressure on the Pangbourne try line. Pangbourne came back and some poor Shiplake discipline led to a penalty being awarded to the opposition, which they capitalised on, getting three points. Shiplake hit back with some impressive aggression, through the forwards carrying hard and were nearly in for another try after James Burgess’ sharp line of running. Unfortunately, the ball did not stick and this let Pangbourne off. The first half finished with low scoring given the opportunities Shiplake had.
Shiplake went into the second half looking to redeem themselves from FNL. However, Shiplake lacked full concentration and a well-worked lineout move from Pangbourne gave them their (only) try. Shiplake did not look back after this and started to put on the show they had been looking for; with a try coming from Robbie Cartwright down the middle, followed by another try from that hugely mobile Jamie Gibbs. Pangbourne pushed hard again but Matty Fitzgerald, with some thunderous tackles, stopped Shiplake falling behind. Shiplake gained the last words, scoring through Robbie Cartwright and leaving the final score at 33-8 to Shiplake. The 1st XV left feeling buoyed on, after getting the season back on track. Thanks to the entire travelling crowd from Shiplake, making it feel like it was a Shiplake event.
2nd XV v Pangbourne
Last Wednesday, Shiplake faced Pangbourne at home. After a disappointing loss the week before, the 2nd XV were determined to make amends. The boys started strong, running hard lines straight at the Pangbourne defence. The backs soon managed to ship the ball out to Will Brunning on the wing, who was able to beat the full back and score under the posts for Shiplake’s first try. This was quickly followed by another try; with a burst of pace from Callum Creighton who managed to slot his second conversion. The first half ended with a score of 17-0 to Shiplake with a firm foothold in the game.
Unfortunately, the team started the second half very slow and soon let Pangbourne back into the game. The Shiplake defence held strong through set plays. However, the opposition still managed to creep up, getting the score to 24-17 in the last minute to play. Unfortunately, Pangbourne managed to get a try in the corner, getting the conversion to equalise the game. Well played to all the boys involved, despite a difficult outcome.
U14A v Pangbourne
It was a nail-biting winter day and Shiplake’s U14As were playing Pangbourne. The boys put on their Shiplake kit and Wooden spoon socks; they ran out to the rugby pitch, ready for the game. The game started with Shiplake receiving the ball. Milo Griffiths kicked the ball into their half with Mike Aitken scoring the first try for Shiplake College. Shiplake were 5-0 up until their captain made a break and kept on going until the try line. The score was now 5-5. The forwards were making some great tackles and held great body positions at the rucks, especially Brody Burnett and Ollie Denison-Pender. Reuben Logan then ran some hard lines, scoring the team’s next try. Our boys were playing very well until Pangbourne scored their second try. Shiplake needed to concentrate. The second half started with Sam Gillen grubbering the ball forward and tackling their full-back, causing him to drop the ball. Flynn Wilson then picked up the ball to dive over the line to score a great try. Shiplake were on a roll, scoring try after try. The final whistle was blown with Shiplake winning 39-19.
U14B v Pangbourne
It was a cold day at Pangbourne and the boys had had a good training session. The Bs started strongly with Mohammed scoring two tries in the first five minutes. Then, with lovely passing down the line, Mohammed managed to score again, which was then converted by Henry Doyle. With a break in the line by Luke Byca, he managed to secure the offload to Henry Doyle and managed to step the Pangbourne defence to score the try. In the first half, after a brilliant low tackle from Luke Byca, Daniel Henson managed to jackal the ball and run through their defence to score the try. With the cold and windy conditions, Pangbourne made a fumble, Mohammed hastily picked up the ball to score a try, and James Duncan executed the conversions to make 43-0. The game was becoming a bit one-sided, so our boys gave them a few of our players which slightly levelled the game out because Mohammed managed to score two tries against us. The final score was 43-10 to Shiplake.
U12A v Gillotts (Friday Night Lights)
Shiplake’s U12As went down to the Henley Hawks Rugby Club to play against Gillotts at the prestigious Friday Night Lights tournament. Shiplake started strong by making some big tackles but unfortunately, the opposition scored first. The boys’ heads started to drop and they lost some of their confidence. Soon after, they scored another two tries. The U12A’s defensive play was strong and stopped a several strong attacks.
In the second half, Shiplake stepped up their game. After a good team talk from the coach, the boys started making strong rucks and tackles, which allowed Will Rider to score the team’s first try. The boys started to believe in themselves and soon after Will made another great try which boosted our confidence even more. At that point, it was 3-2 and our boys were hungry for the win. Lunn Spence scored a stunning third try to make the scores equal.
After lots more hard work defending, the Shiplake boys started to get tired and let two tries pass them by. The final result was 5-3 to Gillotts and it was very well refereed by Mr Jones.
U12A v St. Benedict’s School
On 8 November, Shiplake U12 A took a long time travel to St. Benedict’s to play rugby. At the start, Zac Lloyd kicked and straight away they charged through the Shiplake defence to score their first try. Then our boys received the ball and Archie Siveter charged through their defence but then placed it down on the wrong line. Minutes later, Alfie Malcolm picked up the ball and scored a great try. Shiplake did not let their heads drop and scored another try to make it 2-1 in the second half. In the second half, Henry Benton sprinted past everyone on the pitch to get a try. But from then on, the opposition dominated and were rewarded with three tries. St. Benedict’s won 5-2 but it was a good game!
Hockey
1st XI v Reading Blue Coat School
Last Wednesday, Shiplake’s 1st XI played against Reading Blue Coat’s 1st team. The ball was pushed back by Bluecoat to start the game. Shiplake defended well as we were on the back foot immediately. With excellent defence from Lydia and Mary in goal, shots were deflected and passed into the midfield successfully. Despite hard efforts from Katie and Hattie, Reading Blue Coat scored from a short corner. With halftime looming, Shiplake held Blue Coat off and stopped more goals from being scored.
In the second half, Shiplake were determined to score and equalise against Blue Coat. The ball was passed across the pitch and carried up field by Georgie and Ellen well, who successfully competed against an opposing defender. With a hit on the foot, Shiplake had a short corner. With a great push out from Tory, Hattie smacked the ball. With a great save from the goalie, their defenders passed the ball up the pitch to score. After a couple more goals the final whistle was blown.
Well done to all the girls who played and well done for a great season!
