After a few unfortunate cancellations, some of our boys and girls had a week of training, training and training. For those that did play, they had a brilliant week; whether they won or lost, they all thoroughly enjoyed their games and learned plenty from them.
3rd XV v RBCS
Last Wednesday at 2pm sharp, Shiplake’s 3rd XV arrived at Reading Blue Coat School to face off in the Super League B final. The Shiplake boys knew they were in for a tough match as the wind speed was high and the rain was coming down heavily, meaning that they had to play a tight game in the pack while avoiding long passes out in the back line.
The boys got off to a great start, and crashed through the Blue Coat back line, making room for Max Bunting, one of the team’s stronger runners, to power over the line and score Shiplake’s first few points. By half time, our boys were up 15-0, with tries coming from Sam Battisson, who made a strong run, and Joel Cawdell who, after an excellent backs move, put the ball down in the corner.
Early in the second half Shiplake slipped, allowing Blue Coat to gain a few points. However, this was shortly followed by Shiplake scoring their fourth try and conversion, bringing the score to 22-17 at full time, beating Reading Blue Coat School in the league Final. Special thanks to Dillon Sichel for making some great hits in defence and great effort all round. Well done to the 3rd XV for ending the season on a well-deserved high.
Report provided by Harry Martin
U13B v Tiffin School
On 27 November, the U13Bs got off the bus ready for a hard match. At kick off, Shiplake chose to receive and after a good catch from Ewan, the boys pushed forward and ran about three quarters of the pitch. Unfortunately, the U13Bs knocked the ball forward. From the scrum, the opposition pushed forward and almost scored but were stopped by Ewan and Jasper, who gained possession of the ball. The Tiffin School kept the pressure on, and eventually a good rip and a pass gained them their first try.
Shiplake decided to receive from the kick off. Tiffin put forward an incredible kick right into our backs, which was picked up by Tejpal who was immediately tackled. The ball was stolen, and Tiffin scored again.
After that, the U13Bs felt that they needed a change of strategy and chose to kick; good thinking, as the boys were able to push forward almost immediately. Ryan Fry then ripped the ball, which resulted in Kai Askey dodging his way through their players. Unfortunately, he was stopped just short of the line, but managed to pass the ball to Hugo, who scored the team’s first try.
Harry Saker started strongly by changing the team’s strategy. He kicked and got it in the perfect position for the Shiplake runners who managed to take the ball from Tiffin and push forward for our boys’ second try by Kai Askey.
The next try was scored by Tiffin after a missed tackle and a good run by one of their faster players. They went on to score once more after their largest player trampled through the Shiplake team.
Hugo scored the next Shiplake try after an incredible run by Kai Askey, who was once again tackled short of the line. Fortunately, Hugo was ready to receive.
The next few tries were quick and Harry Saker made an incredible try after slipping between the touch line and a defender to score the next Shiplake try. Tiffin soon broke through to score another try before another try was scored by each team. Thank you Mr Ralph for taking us. And we think we can improve.
Report provided by Jasper Yates
U13A v Tiffin School
The U13As got to Tiffin and started warming up with some passing drills. Tiffin kicked off and after passing through Shiplake hands, Will Diver ran through their defence to score the U13A’s first try. Shiplake kicked off this time, but Tiffin caught it and knocked it on. The U13As won the scrum and got it down to Olly Renwick to score another try. Josh Greig-Bartram, Josh Hamer and Samuel Chambers scored three more tries between them.
Shiplake kicked off for the second half and put in some great tackles. Unfortunately, Tiffin School passed down to the wing and scored a try, before scoring two more tries. Shiplake caught the ball and Will Diver scored another try after expertly running through their defence. Then Josh Greig-Bartram scored the last try and the game was over 7-3.
Report provided by Finn Suter
U12B v Emanuel School
On 31 November, the U12Bs travelled to Emanuel to play them at rugby. The boys started strongly; making good tackles and runs before they began to tire.
As the game went on, Emanuel School broke through the Shiplake defence, leading them to score their first try. Our boys put their heads down but knew that the game wasn't finished yet. The U12Bs carried on as a team and regained morale before making lots of tackles and maintaining a good defensive line.
In the dying minutes of the game, Emanuel School just managed to break through to score a few more tries. Special mentions go to Noah for making some really great runs and Ciaran making some great tackles. Although Shiplake lost, the team know that they have a lot to learn, but are looking forward to their next game.
Report provided by Henry Johnston
U12A v Emanuel School
On the 30 November, the U12As went to Emanuel School, to play rugby. After a long journey and little time to prepare, the boys ran onto the pitch. Ten minutes in, Shiplake were 2-0 down, despite their strong attacks down the middle. By half time, the U12As managed to get a try in, which Archie scored from Zac’s kick.
During half time, the boys tried to talk through how best to stop allowing their attacks down the middle and how to do more with the chances they were given.
Emanuel broke through the Shiplake defence two more times but our held firm for most of the second half. With five minutes to go, the U12As managed to get two tries: one from Alec and one from Alfie, which made the final score 4-3 to Emanuel School.
‘On reflection, I would say that our defence performed well, our tackling was strong and our positioning in defence was also good. However, we should have scored more tries. I think as a team we need more attacking options rather than relying only on kick and chase.’ Said team player Will Mason
Report provided by Will Mason
Hockey
2nd XI v Leighton Park School
Last Wednesday, Shiplake’s 2nd XI played Leighton Park in their last match of the season at Leighton Park School. The opposition started strong with the first centre pass. With constant movement back and forth across the pitch and great attacking skills from Beattie and Hannah Sexton, Shiplake managed to keep possession of the ball. However, Leighton Park were quick to defend and managed to score.
With strong defence from Jessie, Shiplake managed to defend against multiple attempts to score. After the first half, the score was 2-0 to Leighton Park. The girls were eager to keep their positivity up for their last game. Leighton Park had a change of players and had strong attacking skills leading to two more goals. However, with all the girls working together down the line the 2nd XI managed to keep the ball within our half for the last quarter of the game. The final score was 4-0, player of the match went to Georgia Holliday. I would like say thank you to all the girls that played and for their 100% effort and positivity this season
Report provided by Ella Roullier
