Sports Report 30 November

There were some brilliant performances from our hockey and rugby teams this week, despite the freezing weather conditions. We are looking forward to our Friday Night Lights rugby fixture against Pangbourne at Reading Rams on Friday 10 December (7.00pm kick off) and Hockey Night Lights on Monday 13 December at Reading Hockey Club (5.00pm push back). All welcome.

Hockey

On Wednesday 24 November, Shiplake College played Reading Blue Coat at Reading Hockey Club. The first half was fast and furious, possession was fairly equally balanced but Blue Coat secured a goal early on. The Shiplake girls were determined and fought hard for the equaliser, together with G Garner and E Browne to score an amazing goal assisting one another. By half time, the score was 1-1. In the second half, Reading Blue Coat girls stepped up and piled on the pressure. A McCarthy did a fantastic job sending many long hard balls up field with the help from our strong defence. Our goalie, R Allen, was under attack from all angles but fought off some really good attempts with her yet again fantastic dives and even a save with her stick. Unfortunately, Reading Blue Coat scored three further goals making the final score 4-1. Despite losing this match, the team kept their heads up and were enthusiastic throughout the whole match. A great way to end a tough but rewarding hockey season. The Shiplake girls are really excited for our upcoming Hockey Night Lights event on Monday 13 December.

Report by M Fisher 

Rowing

On a very frosty Sunday morning the Senior Boys' Rowing Squad raced over 4km at Wallingford Head. This is the first time the College has raced in eights this year so there was lots of excitement in the crews. 

One of the eights coxed by W Fisher finished 3rd in the Junior 18 Band 1, only 1.4 seconds from the winners, Radley College. In Junior 18 Band B we had two eights racing - the eight coxed by O Joined finished 2nd in the division by a small margin of 0.4 seconds and the eight coxed by C Kenna finished 4th in their division.

Rugby

1st XV - Mr Beckett

On Friday night the 1st XV travelled to Oxford Harlequins to take on Magdalen College School at their Friday Night Lights. We warmed up well despite the conditions and received the kick off. We could tell from the get go that it was going to be a physical game but the Shiplake boys were up for it. After putting pressure on a couple of our line-outs we chose to kick the penalty which J Blacknell slotted, putting Shiplake up 3-0. Shortly after H Suter went over the line and with a smooth conversion Shiplake held 10-0 over the hosts. After a few phases of open play A Arnold found himself over the line after a great passage of play helped by J Lynskey and J Cheetham. Shiplake went into the second half 17-0. However Magdalen came into the second half with plenty of energy and physicality which eventually awarded them a penalty try. The Shiplake boys were not going to ease off and the physicality from both sides became more relentless. During a passage of play in our 22, Magdalen found an interception that put the score to 17-14. As the game was nearing its close, S Bourke found his way through the Magdalen defence off the back of a scrum to put the game to 24-17. The last ten minutes saw some excellent work from B Burnett, N Floyd, S Bourke, H Suter and J Lynskey and after a hard-fought game Shiplake walked away with the win.

Report by H Kunzig

U16A - Mr Bowden

Starting the game in a snow globe meant the weather was a leveller for both sides. The best defensive performance of the season from the U16A’s frustrated and repelled MCS throughout the game. J Cooper, M Walker and J Hallett led but it was a terrific team effort. Final score Shiplake 7 - 5 MCS.

U16B - Mr Diez-Urkidi

Despite the snow and a very cold morning, Shiplake performed very well just playing as a team and managing to move the ball from one side to the other, moving forward and scoring several tries. Great attitude from all players focusing on the game and supporting one another. Player of the day: E Thomas. Special mention: Z Wilson, E Pratt and N Scotchbrook. 

U15A - Mr Dix

In another very close contest the U15As unfortunately lost by two points, 19-21, after conceding a try with 5 minutes to go, converted from the touch line. Earlier fine tries were scored by W Rider, J Lucking and F Hawkes.

U14A - Mr Cooper

The U14As won 7 tries to 2. Best game (and first win) of the season so far in cold snowy conditions. Shout outs go to E Jones for a hat trick and S Crehan-Mills who put in a man of the match performance. 

U14B - Dr D'Rozario

In atrocious conditions the U14Bs played superbly. An all round team performance with S Pickering getting a well deserved try. Yes we lost, but the performance was great! Keep it up the hard work!