This week's Sports Report is the first in nearly a month! A lot to catch up on as our 1st XI Cricket team took on Henley's U19 team, and the U14s took on Eton on their home ground, with some incredible results. The girls' rounders season is now upon us, as they faced off against Claires Court last week.
Hockey
1st XI Hockey v Cokethorpe School
On Wednesday 27 March, Shiplake played hockey against Cokethorpe School. The game began very evenly between the two sides, before Cokethorpe scored an early goal. However T. Gorringe scored an equalizer almost immediately after. Once this had occurred, Gorringe then managed to get two more goals and one more came from D. Mealing, making it 4-1 to Shiplake just before half-time.
The second half saw the Shiplake team look very confident. With a lot more pressure and numerous shots on target, Gorringe put his fourth goal away, which has allowed him to score a whopping 20 goals this season! Cokethorpe also managed to get a second goal in, but it was yet again another strong win for Shiplake at 5-2. The final game of the season clearly illustrated how well the Shiplake team have improved from the first match we played, right up to this one.
Report provided by Captain of Hockey, J. Gibbs.
Cricket
1st XI v Henley Cricket Club U19
On Thursday 25 April, Shiplake’s 1st XI took on Henley Cricket Club’s U19 team. After a lost toss, the boys were put into the field and aimed to rattle the Henley batting order. After a superb spell of bowling form opener C. Creighton, who took 4 wickets for 11 runs, and a tremendous display in the field from C. Theodorou who took 4 catches, as well as consistent bowling from J. Shortland, J. Roxbourgh-Smith and A. Bartlett, Henley were down 30-5 but eventually crept over the allotted 20 overs at 98-8. After being set 99 to win, the top order struggled with a constant loss of wickets. A steady roll from opener M. Dalrymple was required, a tall order considering the long grass, boundaries and slow pitch. Eventually, a solid and precise knock from both E. Lee and B. West allowed the team to find stability and after a final over 4 from E Lee, the stage was set for B. West to hit the winning runs off the final ball to get Shiplake the first victory of the season.
Report provided by 1st XI Cricket Captain, M. Dalrymple.
Shiplake U14A v Eton College
On 27 April, the U14A team started their cricket season with an opening match against Eton College’s B/C team. Shiplake won the toss and chose to bowl. The bowling was opened well by O. Lewis and C. Moss who took two wickets. Around the halfway point, V. Lazar made a casual one arm stop to save a 4 four from being scored by Eton. The team also had some very consistent bowling from J. Rogers, T. Angell and M. Patterson. Eton finished 132 for 5 after their 20 overs.
Shiplake opened the batting with S. Gillen and M. Griffiths. The team pushed for singles from the off. S. Gillen and M. Griffiths showed creativity with some lovely cricket shots and both managed to make a half-century, giving the team a partnership of 102. Both boys retired and the job was almost finished off by M. Patterson and C. Moss. The score was tied after Moss hit one out the middle that went for 6, and only 1 was needed. This was completed by M. Patterson and J. Durkin with only one wicket lost.
Report provided by U14A Cricket Captain, M. Griffiths.
Rounders
Shiplake A Team v Claires Court School
Last Wednesday, the A team played their first game of Rounders against Claires Court. The girls started fielding, which was very fast and effective, as quick balls to G. Stebbings on second base and some great catches resulted in getting eight people out. Shiplake then moved on to batting and had some great hits, including full rounders from H. Austin and E. Nolson, leaving the score at 4.5 to Claires Court and 5.5 to Shiplake.
After the serious game, both teams came together as A and Bs to play a big friendly game. This was a fun and relaxed game that helped the team to improve their skills. Shiplake still played very well and secured another win. This is a promising start to the season and will undoubtedly be a great season for both teams.
Report provided by A Team Rounders Captain, E. Hodson.
