Sports Report 13 September

The first weekend of the academic year saw senior rowers training on the water and the U14s, U15s and U16Bs have squad training ahead of their first fixtures next week. Meanwhile the 1st XV and U16As had training matches against Dauntsey's College.

1st XV 

Shiplake's senior squad, fresh off the three-day pre-season training camp, went into the training game with Dauntsey’s full of excitement and eager to kick start their season. Dauntsey’s forward pack were heavier and worked effectively around the field, but Shiplake defended well.

The first half saw some good play by both sides, with Dauntsey’s scoring a few well-worked tries. The second half saw both sides make multiple changes, including the entire 15 changing for Shiplake. In total, 40 players represented Shiplake and played some competitive contact rugby in preparation for The Oratory in the Schools Cup on Wednesday and then our full block against local rivals Reading Blue Coat School, on Saturday 17 September.

Mr S Beckett (Head of Rugby)

U16As

After a successful pre-season the U16s welcomed Dauntsey’s U16s for their opening game of the season. Despite wanting to win every game, the purpose of this fixture was to give all the boys a good run out together, having not played as a team since last December. As the game kicked off, Shiplake looked up for it and were playing at a good intensity and with huge levels of effort shown across the pitch.   

Shiplake managed to hold off a strong Dauntsey’s side for the first five minutes, displaying great character and defensive acumen before eventually the opposition crossed the line with a try. Following on from this, Shiplake didn’t let their heads drop and took their game to another level showing how much they wanted to get the most out of the training game. With a lot of chopping and changing to ensure every player could get the most out of the session, Daunstey’s continued to put pressure on Shiplake, and they crossed the line a couple more times throughout the morning, resulting in a defeat for Shiplake. 

Despite losing, Shiplake took away many positives from the morning of rugby. As a group, there were many constructive conversations lead from the boys themselves showing their enthusiasm to continue to try and break down the Dauntsey’s defence even though the game was proving to be challenging. Overall, it was a positive start to the season and sets up an intense and productive week of training ahead of the first competitive fixture of the season against Reading Blue Coat. 

Mr J Burgess (U16s Coach)