Sports Report 23 Nov 2021

This week's Sports Report covers rugby fixtures against Cokethorpe School, Licensed Victuallers' School and The Piggott School, girls' hockey versus The Oratory and also a report on the rowers who attended the first round of the Junior GB Trials.

Hockey

Shiplake went into their hockey game on Wednesday with the expectation that they could lose as their opposition had won their previous games 13-0, 8-0 and 8-0, but they did not let this get in the way of their enthusiasm and the support from the sidelines was amazing as usual! Although the score was 4-0 to The Oratory, the Shiplake girls really played well with many shots on goal. E Browne was key in getting the ball all the way down the pitch allowing us to move on the attack. In defence, R Allen had an amazing game as goalie, diving all over the place and saving goals from all directions; as a result of this she was player of the match from the opposition. Shiplake's defence was under constant pressure but they performed so well; even when they had to defend four short corners in a row. E Young, after practicing this in training on Tuesday lunchtime, made some amazing hits sending the ball all the way up the pitch. A really well done to all the girls and their efforts did not go unnoticed as The Oratory's coach came up afterwards and said that Shiplake was the strongest opposition they had played all season. Once again, amazing work by the Shiplake girls. 

Emily Lambert, Girls' Hockey Vice Captain

Rugby

U17A - Mr Geyton

There were stand out performances in the scrum from R O’Keeffe, contesting at the ruck from N Floyd and playmaking from O Stalder made early inroads into the Piggott defence and got the scoreboard ticking over nicely. Second half grunt and a rising penalty count got Piggott back in the game and much of the second 35 mins was played in Shiplake’s half. A smart interception try from O Stalder relieved some late pressure from Piggot where despite a last 10 mins of dominance the gap remained too great with Shiplake coming out winners 27-22. A strong performance for a new look 2nd XV and a Piggott 1st XV playing their first game of the season.

U16A - Mr Bowden

A full team display was needed to overcome a talented Cokethorpe side and that’s what the U16s brought. Contributions across the board from the group made for entertaining viewing. The teams exchanged tries early on and the breakdown and territory was keenly contested. Cokethorpe went ahead with some powerful runners breaking through. The boys improved their speed at the ruck in the second half and after a good kick chase won a late scrum in the shadow of the posts. A good carry from J Hallett from the base and offload to L Burwash put him into the corner for the match-winning try. The boys did well to see out the last two minutes, well done to all involved. Final score Shiplake 24 - 22 Cokethorpe.

U15A - Mr Dix

A very competitive and balanced game saw Shiplake pull two scores ahead in the second half to then eventually win 21-15. Strong running and a try from H Edwards, two tries for the hard-working A Malcolm, all converted by C Burnett. S Bailey carried and tackled superbly throughout, strong runs from W Rider, with half backs J Coe and C Burnett distributing well.

U15B - Mr Miller

A superb performance from the mighty 15Bs. Highlights included an A Siveter hat-trick and skillful assist from J Bizior. Final score, 22-12 to Shiplake.

U14A - Mr Curtis

The U14s started brightly, knocking on just short of the line after some great phase play. Cokethorpe countered with three quick scores. Thereafter Shiplake were made to work hard for their tries unlike the opposition. Final score 35-20 to Cokethorpe. Many thanks to all the B team players who filled in on Wednesday.

U13A - Mr Jones

A very enjoyable match for the U13As at LVS. We had to adapt to play 10-a-side but still managed to play our usual game. There were strong carries from forwards E Fulton, E Dickinson and M Crane and good straight running from backs such as S Baker, Z Wood and O Bayley. Despite a spirited fightback from LVS Shiplake held on to their convincing lead.

U13B - Mr Batchelor

The U13Bs had an intense match with big carries and fast running on the wings, especially from D Johnson-Greenwood, T Vivian and J Dag. Despite a commitment in attack, our defence was a little bunched resulting in a 10 to 8 defeat.

Rowing

Ten pupils at Shiplake College took part in the first round of the junior GB trials of the season last weekend. The event was held in Boston, Lincolnshire, over a 5km time trial, with rowers competing in a single scull to give them an individual ranking in the whole country. Prior to attending all competitors had to meet a 2km ergo criteria to qualify for the water assessment and on the day the Shiplake rowers gave an excellent account of themselves. From 117 boys, J Birch finished 3rd in the country, with F Middleton coming 9th, F Arkle, 35th, M Johnston 39th, S Critchley 69th and E Dallas 96th. M Vickerman came 8th out of the 97 girls participating, with J Weir 21st, E Webb 23rd and S Maleham 30th. The next round of the trials take place in February.