After last week's weather disruptions, many of our fixtures were cancelled, including the Shiplake 7s Tournament and the Senior House Football. However, nothing was going to stop our girls from getting out on the courts for a spot of Netball!
Netball
Shiplake As v Ranelagh As
Last Wednesday, Shiplake College played against Ranelagh A in another league game. The Shiplake girls started strong and both teams were determined to pull ahead. After excellent defensive play from Maddie and Hattie, Shiplake stopped Ranelagh gaining the lead and worked the ball back up the court. The mid-court players worked well together and made strong clear passes, avoiding interceptions where possible and allowing the ball to be fed up to Tory and Lara to have shots on. By halftime, the score was close as Ranelagh only had three goals on Shiplake. As the second half started, Shiplake changed the team positions and tried a different strategy. The girls worked well together right until the end. After a tough match, Ranelagh gained the lead. Well played to all the girls, player of the match went to Ellen.
Report provided by Georgie Stebbings, Girls' Sport Captain
Shiplake Bs v Ranelagh Bs
On Wednesday 30 January, the Shiplake B team played their second league game against Ranelagh B. After watching the A team play, the girls were slightly intimidated to step foot on court. However, after gaining first centre, the anxiety had passed and everyone was very determined. In the first quarter, Shiplake managed to get the ball to the D several times, giving them the advantage over Ranelagh. Good positioning and strong passes from Mia and Ella got the ball down to the Shiplake end. The ball was often pushed away from the opposition’s D with good defence from Katie and Livie, who intercepted the ball and got it back up the court. The third quarter was intense, as the Ranelagh girls stepped up their game and managed to get the ball to their D and were pulling ahead of the Shiplake girls. After a quick team talk, the girls reset and were ready for the final quarter. It was a very tough match but the Shiplake B team were able to win with an incredible score of 11-9. Well played to all the girls, especially Rhian who was player of the match.
Report provided by Mary Keswick, B Team Netball Captain
Hockey
1st XI v Churcher’s College
On Wednesday 30 January, Shiplake faced Churcher's College. The game began with Churcher's scoring a goal in the first minute. A hard hit to the team, but no confidence was lost yet. It was a clear battle in Shiplake's defence when all four defenders, Zack Tilley, Harry Watts, Dom Mealing and Dom Deakin worked with maximum effort. However, after a series of more shots on goal, Churcher's scored another one making it 2-0.
In the second half, shots came from all of the midfielders and Callum Creighton up front, making it difficult for the Churcher's goalkeeper. But, with vast amounts of pressure on our players, the scoreboard remained at 2-0. After what seemed to be an eternity of short corners against Shiplake, Churcher's just managed to put a third goal away making it 3-0.
It was a gruelling but highly competitive match and Shiplake displayed their best team performance of the season so far. A particular mention goes to Jack Nienow who made his debut game in the squad, despite not having played for over two years and man of the match goes to Harry Watts.
Report provided by Jamie Gibbs.
