In this week's Sports Report, the first of the academic year, we catch up on the first round of rugby fixtures that took place on Saturday 9 September. The majority of our teams from U14 to U18 played in triangular 'tournaments' against King Edward VI School Southampton and Portsmouth Grammar School while the 2nd XV faced Reddam House.
Rugby
1st XV vs King Edward VI Southampton & Portsmouth Grammar School
The 1st XV squad put on an incredible display in their first two fixtures. The new system and gameplan worked very well with the forwards dominating much of play and the backs being given time and space on the ball. A day of learning that proved this squad of players is ready to compete at the highest level if they continue to come together and play for each other and the badge. Better support play at the ruck, a little more composure at key times, and using all the tools in the toolbox will see them do very well this year whilst playing exciting running rugby.
Final scores: 7-10 vs KES & 5-12 vs PGS
Coach: Mr R Edwards
2nd XV vs Reddam House
The 2nd XV got off to a slightly slower start than expected but after 20 minutes they began to piece things together. Some misfires in attack and a few communication errors plagued their performances in both games, but they found their feet towards the end of the day as the sun was at its hottest. A day of gelling as a squad for the first time and trying new things has everyone believing this year could be a successful one where the 2nds play exciting rugby and upset a number of teams with their fast style of play.
Final score: 3-28 vs Reddam House
Coaches: Mr J Wheeler & Mr D Wozencroft
U15A vs King Edward VI Southampton & Portsmouth Grammar School
The squad put in two fine performances on their away trip to Portsmouth resulting in two wins. K O’Connor scored from the kick off against KES with a very powerful run, which helped with easing any early nervousness and confidence. Playing 15 minutes each way, K O'Connor also scored in the second half after rolling off a maul down the blindside with the whole squad laying the foundations for a talented athlete to show off his skills.
Against Portsmouth Grammar School, the squad improved further with some lovely team tries involving numerous offloads and correct decision making. These were scored by I Doherty, W Huckle and D O’Brien, after some great work by M Crane and W Nicholas. S Baker also demonstrated superb line speed and tackling in defence during both games.
Coach: Mr A Dix
U15B vs King Edward VI Southampton & Portsmouth Grammar School
The first game resulted in a convincing win with five tries scored and none conceded. After a tricky first half, we came out on top following some outstanding tries, especially from C Seymour. The second game was a three try to zero win with massive shout outs going to J Morgan, E Miot and Z Wood; the latter putting on an outstanding tackling display. Huge wins and a great start to the season.
Coach: Mr J Cooper
U14A vs King Edward VI Southampton & Portsmouth Grammar School
The under 14A team had a very positive morning. Both games saw Shiplake show their attacking prowess scoring four tries in both games. The sense of togetherness and pride in the Shiplake badge was incredible, given that the boys have only gotten together as a group over the course of the first week of term. Things look hugely positive for the season ahead with this group eager to learn and improve their game.
Coaches: Mr D Bradley & Mr S Gower
U14B vs King Edward VI Southampton & Portsmouth Grammar School
On a scorching hot day, the boys rallied together on their first ever Saturday as a team with many new players joining the group. Unfortunately, neither result went our way, but they were very close - losing 15-5 and 26-19 respectively. Nonetheless, the togetherness and team work constantly improved as the games went on. Special mentions must go to J Andrews, who dictated the pace of the game so well and always looked in control, and to T Jomar for scoring a hat-trick of tries in the second game!
Coaches: Mr P Jones & Mr A Gingell
