It has been wonderful to welcome back sports fixtures for the first time in many months with rugby fixtures against The Oratory in the first week and Reading Blue Coat in the second week of term. The boys have really enjoyed getting to grips with full contact again too.
We also had a fun dodgeball event for our Sixth Formers last Friday. With more than 120 boarders taking part, a great time was had by all.
Rugby - Shiplake v Oratory 11 September
1st XV with Mr Armstrong, Mr McCraw & Mr Beckett
An outstanding team defence and some good game management gave the 1st XV their first win of the season. Tries by Captain H Kunzig and winger J Cheetham were converted with pin point accuracy by J Blacknell. Final score Oratory 9 - Shiplake 20.
2nd XV with Mr Wheeler & Mr Geyton
Great game for the 2nd XV. Special performances from B Fundell, A Triggs and H Cucksey. A game which is certainly something to build on going in to the Reading Blue Coat game this weekend.
U16A with Mr Bowden & Mr Urkidi
Plenty of positives to take from the first outing including tackle completion, protecting possession and attacking space. The group grew into the game.
U16B with Mr Lawson
Although the boys were disappointed that Oratory couldn't play contact, a free flowing game of touch allowed us to work on attacking and defensive lines. Some good handling and quick feet on show, boding well for next week.
U14A with Mr Curtis & Mr Cooper
U14As were dominated by a well drilled Oratory side. A Cheek battled valiantly in defeat.
U14B with Dr D’Rozario
Great spirit and tenacity shown by the team. Lots to work on ready to take on Blue Coat next week.
U14C with Mr Milburn
The U14Cs put on a spirited display against The Oratory and, although they lost by five tries to nil, there were great performances from O Griffin, D Serraile, F Macally and, F and F Russell.
Rugby - Shiplake v Reading Blue Coat 18 September
1st XV Mr Beckett
After an all round team performance by the 1st XV last week, Shiplake controlled the game from the whistle. The pressure on the Blue Coat line continued for a further 30 minutes but with no score from the home side, Blue Coat took their chances and kicked three penalties (0-9). The strength and size of the Shiplake forward pack led to a well-worked team try scored by B Burnett (5-9) with stand out performances by S Bourke, H Kunzig and J Cheetham. Unfortunately the second half seemed like a series of passages of play between countless scrums with no further scores from either side. A narrow loss to local rivals and all to play for on Wednesday v Lord Wandsworth.
2nd XV Mr Geyton
Good carries and go forward from A Coleman and A Triggs. B Fundell led the line well with a great defensive effort. Big defensive effort and could have come away with more. Final score 28-3.
U16A Mr Bowden
Much improved performance with a terrific individual try from W Diver and energetic performance from C Kami-Hawkins. Width both attack and defence is a work in progress but our continuity was positive. Final score 34-20 to Blue Coat.
U15A Mr Nel
The U15A team successfully shut down the big runners that Blue Coat relied on to give them momentum. This meant that Shiplake could convert this pressure into points, scoring two good tries to win the game 17-5.
U15B Mr Miller
A hard fought 27-5 loss. Good sportsmanship shown by both teams. Great performances from L Wilson, L Cawdell and G Forsyth. O Morris was man of the match for Shiplake.
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