In this week’s sports report we welcomed some familiar faces back to our football pitch, as the Old Viking Society took on our 1st XI. We also had a mixed bag of results across all other matches with a couple of wins in some fixtures, and some learning points to take away from other matches.
Football
1st XI v Abingdon
On Saturday 1 February, the Shiplake 1st XI travelled to Abingdon and had the privilege of playing again on their excellent pitch in front of the main school building. From the first whistle it was clear that this year's Abingdon team was an impressive unit, they looked physically strong and technically adept. Shiplake got off to the worst possible start with two own goals coming from attempts by our defenders to clear crosses. Shiplake did have a couple of chances in the first half, the most notable a S Farrell free kick that hit the inside of the post.
Shiplake were pinned back into their own half for much of the first half and were happy when half time came. They composed themselves at half time and played much better football for the first fifteen minutes of the second half, getting on the ball in more advanced areas. Abingdon were however very sharp throughout, playing some excellent football and they made the most of every opportunity they had, the match ended 6-0 to the home side.
Report by Mr P McCraw
1st XI v Gordon's School
Shiplake were disappointed with the final score of 2-0 to Gordon's School as this was a very close encounter. The teams had an equal share of possession in the first half with Shiplake looking just as likely to open the scoring as the visiting team. The defence of B Rivett, L Sauboua and J Walne did an excellent job of closely marking their dangerous number 9 and limiting the number of shots their opponents had on target. J Walne was very close to opening the scoring with a close range header that was well saved by the Gordon's goalkeeper. Gordon's scored shortly before half time with an easy finish from a corner.
The second half was also balanced and Shiplake had some success with early balls into wide areas. There were a number of good crosses but in by our wingbacks that just didn't fall for S Farrell or K O'Hare up front. Our midfield of J Durcan, G Head and W Richards again played well but we need to find a way of turning good possession into goals in the coming weeks. We look forward to finding our shooting boots when we play the Old Vikings on Saturday!
Report by Mr P McCraw
4th XI v Gordon's School
Formidable Fourths Bring The Thunder: Shiplake 6 - 1 Gordon's School
The Shiplake red terror rolled on with a virtuoso performance that radiated confidence, determination and class from defence to attack. With J Yulhanson-Hutchins masterfully pulling the strings in midfield with a hat-trick of assists (that is a thing) as well as a goal for himself, our heroes overran the opposition time and again. M Gaza expertly netted twice, as did compulsory goalscorer H Batchelor (that's now eight in four games!). The fifth in particular was an outstanding team goal that was a delight to witness: the sheer aplomb in attack, the poetry of movement, creativity, touch and technique, the players keeping the ball on the ground and passing it exquisitely to carve open the opposition until M Gaza squared for H Batchelor to finish with his now trademark cool. But probably the best was for last, H Stokes's long-distance shot rifling into the net like a thunderbolt.
This blaze of epic attack was firmly upheld by a robust defensive performance, with J Stevenson, L Taylor, R Rose and T Davies battling magnificently, and all underpinned by exemplary new goalkeeper H Allan. Not only did he police his box with the strength and jealous determination of a panther, but when faced with a penalty, did he waver? No, instead our hero fearlessly stood his ground and kept the opposition out at a crucial time!
In addition, the whole team demonstrated respect, professionalism and togetherness at all times.
Well done to Shiplake College! The Formidable Fourths strike again! Who dares play them next? Their next scalp in waiting... Reading Blue Coat. See you there!
Man of the match: M Gaza.
Honourable mentions: J Yulhanson-Hutchins, J Stevenson, S Green.
1st XI v Old Viking Society (OVS)
On Saturday we warmly welcomed the Old Viking Society XI back to Shiplake. A big thanks must go to Bradley Wilkins (18S) who organised a strong OVS team including former 1st XI captains Miles Bridgeman (17S) and Darius Braun (18B), last year's player of the year Callum Theodorou (19W) and the talented Marcus Hillman (18O), Ben Atkin (19W) and Ben Westbrook-Burr (18O).
The first twenty minutes of the game was a tight affair with the OVS having the best of the chances, being driven forward by midfield duo Theodorou and Braun. The 1st XI's greater fitness began to show as the half went on and the OVS defence came under increasing pressure from positive wing play and good crosses.
The 1st XI wanted goals from this fixture and they fully deserved them when they came. There was a double for G Head and S Farrell, a penalty converted by O Cole and a goal for W Richards whose energy was impressive throughout.
We sincerely thank the OVS for turning out and it was wonderful to see some of Shiplake's most talented former players back on the turf on which they represented the College with such pride and enthusiasm. We wish them continued success in their education and careers and hope to see them again soon.
Report by Mr P McCraw
U13A v Reading Blue Coat School U13A
On Saturday 8 February the Shiplake College U13As played Reading Blue Coat U13As. The game may have been one sided but some good Shiplake football was still on show. About 15 minutes into the game a great goal kick from J Lucking found A Siviter who then lobbed to the keeper to score. In the second half a good passage of play started from the back with H Steel linking up with H Kerrison but it unfortunately petered out. The final score was 9-1 to Blue Coat.
U13B v Reading Blue Coat School U13C
The U13Bs set off to Reading Blue Coat to play an away match. They started off deep, with Blue Coat putting the team under lots of pressure which made Shiplake concede an early goal. However, Shiplake played the counter and W Jennings ran down the line towards the box and was tripped over by the keeper, then from behind, O Palmer Page picked up the ball and volleyed it into the top corner making it 1-1. During the rest of the first half they kept up the pressure leading to 3-1 at half time. The second half was decent with Shiplake playing much better and putting the opposition under loads of pressure. They had loads of chances but didn’t convert any of them with the final score of the game being 3-1.
U12A v Reading Blue Coat School
We started off strongly with good passing around the pitch. Then after 10 minutes, Blue Coats got three goals in quick succession. We came back stronger though with nice dribbling from B Saunders and good link up play between F Coultas and D Seraille. We went in at halftime with mixed feelings. We had a good team talk at halftime and came out a lot more relaxed. With plenty of good saves from H Arnold.
They didn’t have many chances; but we did and didn't manage to finish any of them. Then they conceded a hand ball as B Savidge stepped up to take a strong penalty, their goalkeeper stuck a foot out the ball went flying for a throw in. Then after a long kick from their goalie one of their players poked it in the bottom corner.
U12B v Reading Blue Coat School
On Saturday the Bs played Blue Coats. It was a fun fixture with lots of effort from the whole team. Lucas had a storming first half saving at least 10 shots and only letting in 1 goal. In the second half A Dean switched to goal from right back and three switched from the A team. C Anderson scored a goal but it was ruled out because of a foul in the build up. In the end 4-0 was the score and the game was won by Blue Coats.
Hockey
1st XI vs Abigndon 2nd XI
After a great week following the game against Radley, we started this game very complacent, which turned out to be one of our biggest flaws. With the drama production underway we were hit by the news that centre defence H Kunzig and left wing D Deakin were unavailable. To make matters even worse, we were then hit by the news that our keeper M Brommel was ill which gave us an hour to source H Stride to make his debut along with J Perry and F Heggie, who stepped in to give us a hand for the game.
Even before the game had started I felt the mood was low which is probably what hurt us most during the game. Due to our structure being very void and the defense feeling trapped at the back the options were limited for us to make any real chances going forward. We created a couple of good chances that we just couldn't finish, but it just wasn't our day as we conceded 3 within the first half. After Mr Walter’s half time team talk we kept our heads up and improved within the second half but it wasn't enough. The final score was 4-0.
We know where we went wrong at it all started before the game, so we know what we need to do to improve and work on for next week. Thank you to H Stride, J Perry and F Heggie for coming up and helping the team out.
Report by Z Tilley, Team Captain
Netball
Girls’ U18A v Leighton Park
On Wednesday 5 February, Shiplake played their first away match and fourth match in the season against Leighton Park. Although the girls knew it would be a tough game to play, they began the match with their heads held high and with strong determination. Leighton Park were quick to score a goal, shortly followed by a goal from Shiplake; the match consisted of excellent shooting from the team's GA, M Ahora with the strong assistance of their centre court players, A Tunnicliffe and A Galpin. After the second quarter, Shiplake were only eight goals behind Leighton Park and with a switch around in positions went on to play the match with confidence, despite the difference in goals. E Tang worked well in her support to drive the ball up to Shiplake’s attacking third along with excellent work in defence from both M Jobson and M Simpson. The match finished with the score 39-20 to Leighton Park; player of the match went to H Austin. Well done to all the girls and for continuing to play with such strong efforts and positivity; excellent play all round.
Report by M Simpson, Girls' Sport Captain
Girl’s U18B v Leighton Park
On Wednesday 5 February Shiplake B team played their third league match against Leighton Park. S Griffin scored an excellent first goal, kick-starting the game off well for Shiplake, and with great supporting attack from S Joyce, managed to make use of the centre passes and keep the ball consistently in the attacking third for the first few minutes. However, Leighton Park were quick to respond with strong defence and forceful attack, finishing the first quarter with a score of 8-7 to them. Shiplake maintained a high morale and came back fighting in the second quarter and continued to work efficiently as a team, A Selwyn worked tirelessly in the centre third, allowing the ball to be passed down from E Guironnet into the attacking third, and more goals to be scored. Despite a slight dip in performance in the third quarter, Shiplake were determined to keep their heads high as the game moved on into the final quarter. Leighton Park brought in a strong force of attack, however L Worthington did not fail to keep up an excellent line of defence throughout the entire match, working down the pitch and supporting the centre court players as well as manning the D. As the match came to a close, Leighton Park pulled ahead, finishing with a score of 29-14 to the opposition. Despite the score it was another great match for Shiplake, with noticeable progress being made by all the players. Congratulations to A Selwyn for being awarded player of the match and making a great effort in keeping up the team’s morale as well as excellent play.
Report by A Hallam, B Team Netball Captain
Other Results
2nd XI football v Gordon’s School, Lost 0-1
3rd XI football v Gordon’s School, Won 1-0
Junior A hockey v Cokethorpe School, Lost 1-3
Junior A hockey v Leighton Park School, Won 1-0
U15A football v Reading Blue Coat School, Lost 0-2
U15B football v Reading Blue Coat School, Lost 0-7
U14A football v Reading Blue Coat School, Lost 0-4
U14B football v Reading Blue Coat School, Lost 1-6
