The week before the half term break saw cricket fixtures for the girls and boys against Leighton Park, John Hampden, The Oratory and Bradfield, tennis against Leighton Park and the croquet club also had an outing to Phyllis Court in Henley for a training session.
Croquet
On Monday afternoon, the Shiplake Croquet Club's founding members enjoyed a relatively sunny session at Phyllis Court. Four immaculately kept lawns and two experienced coaches meant the team, and Mr Olhausen, had to up their play. D Jenkins has been named 'croquet king' for her accuracy and ability to rarely miss a shot! Overall, a really encouraging afternoon, with many improvements made and looking forward to - hopefully - some tournaments ahead.
M Berry
Cricket
Girls v Holyport College
On Wednesday 25 May, Shiplake played Holyport in a girls' cricket match on Front Field. Shiplake won this match scoring 274 runs against 205 runs. The Captain, E Harris, set the field to assist this win, carefully placing girls strategically on the field. Player of match was given to E Browne for her amazing fielding. Well done to P Sanderson, A McCarthy, and P Kay for catching the opposition out multiple times and great batting from I Wood who scored the only 4 in the match. Shiplake also saw some great fielding from E Pendlebury and E Harris for stumping the wickets to get Holyport players out and ensure that Shiplake remained far ahead in the score. Well done again to all the girls that played in this match and carried on even through the rain!
E Harris, Girls' Cricket Captain
Girls v Leighton Park
On Monday 23 May, Shiplake girls played their second cricket match of the season against Leighton Park. Shiplake were batting first and collected a total of 258 runs, batting some great balls against some strong bowling from Leighton Park. M Fisher and T Firth hit some fantastic balls and A McCarthy had a brilliant first cricket game. Shiplake were then fielding and showed some excellent skills in their bowling, especially from G Garner and M Adams and great wicket keeping from I Wood. Due to some fantastic catches from P Sanderson, Leighton Park only managed to score 246 runs and Shiplake won the match by 12 runs. The Shiplake coaches have been so impressed with the girls' improvement in cricket this year, especially with the confidence with bowling. Well done to P Sanderson for getting Player of the Match from Leighton Park for her excellent fielding skills.
E Harris, Girls' Cricket Captain
Other Cricket Results
Lower School v John Hampden Grammar: Result TBC
1st XI v Bradfield College: Lost by 7 wickets
U15As v The Oratory: Result TBC
U15Bs v The Oratory: Result TBC
U14As v The Oratory: Lost by 3 runs
U14Bs v The Oratory: Lost by 77 runs
Tennis
The senior first team continued their unbeaten run, defeating Leighton Park 3 sets to love, with the classic pairing of B Varaday and L Poundall, and the power of J Blacknell and touch of A Turner.
The senior second were due to play on the grass, but owing to inclement weather had to play in rotating pairs in a mixed doubles match, in which Shiplake ultimate claimed victory 6 sets to 3. Highlights included some ruthless play from Point Blank J Perry whose power at the net nocked an opponent down!
Mixed U18: Won 5-3
