In this week's Sports Report, we catch up on the two basketball fixtures that took place before the half-term break. Our U18s were home to a strong St Bernard's Catholic School side while our U16s travelled to The Oratory School.
Basketball
Boys' U18 vs St Bernard’s Catholic School
After a strong start against The Oratory earlier in the term, Shiplake's 1st team basketball hosted St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School. The spectators in the Shiplake sports hall were treated to a nail-biting contest, as both teams hoped to walk away with their first victory of the Berkshire schools’ league.
Strong off-ball movement from the St Bernard's side gave them the advantage in the first quarter. After some defensive adjustments before the second quarter, Shiplake created chances for themselves, capitalising on most of these on the offensive end.
The third quarter saw Shiplake match St Bernard's nearly basket for basket, keeping the opposition just two points behind them. In the final quarter, after a St Bernard's time out and the score even with 26 seconds to go, Shiplake retrieved the ball in play, finding A Mullens, who scored the game winning shot.
The team will be sure to carry the energy and pride of the victory with them as they continue to practise over half-term ready to hit the ground running with training in November. Notable performances: C Carey with 11 points, A Mullens with 10 points, and J Greig-Bartram with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Final score: Shiplake College 34-32 St Bernard’s Catholic School
Coach: Mr B Cartwright
Boys' U16 vs The Oratory School
Our U14 Basketball team began their season today with an away fixture vs The Oratory School. Shiplake began in the ascendancy with fast, sharp attacking play lead by O Woodward and T Williams. The Oratory however, made us work hard as they were very clinical on the attack with consecutive lay ups keeping the game within 1 point.
With strength in numbers, Shiplake were able to make lots of changes to introduce fresh legs which really helped keep the tempo of the game high. With the majority of possession and great attacking movement, Shiplake could've put the game out of sight by the end of the third quarter, but weren't able to convert all these chances.
Brilliant flowing moves and superb defending in the final quarter from S Cripps and O Woodward helped keep The Oratory at bay. To cap it off, O Woodward sank a huge 3 pointer to clinch the victory for Shiplake.
Final score: Shiplake College 18-14 The Oratory School
Coach: Mr B Gingell
