A
number of recent Shiplake leavers are continuing to make great strides in the
world of elite sport, with three members of the Shiplake 'class of 2013' now competing on an international stage.
Two
members of the 2012-2013 rugby 1st XV are now on professional
contracts. Tom Howe is progressing well in the senior set up at London Wasps
RFC. Last month, he was selected in the England 7s squad which travelled to
Romania for the Bucharest leg of the European Grand Prix. Howe,
who scored a try on his Premiership debut for Wasps earlier in the year, was
delighted to receive the call-up: “I enjoy playing 7s and to represent England
is a great honour. Any sort of experience you can get is good experience. It is
nice to get this particular game time and hopefully show them what I can do.”
Meanwhile,
fellow 2013 alumnus Zac Jones is enjoying success in another sport. After
spending last season playing in New Zealand, Zac has a contract to play for the
Wesley Beavers CBC in Australia. As their only overseas player, Zac is paid per
run and per wicket, in addition to bonuses for his general performance.
In
his first 20/20 warm up match, two days after arriving, he earned $150. He is
also sponsored by the Woodstock cricket company. Zac’s father Ashley commented:
“Hopefully Zac and Tom will be an inspiration to current 1st XV and
younger aspiring players at Shiplake, as it shows that with the right
application you can make your dreams come true.”
Last
but not least, sprinter Piers Chen is continuing to progress on the athletics
track.
This summer, he represented the England U20 athletics team, earning a
place in the 100m ‘A’ final at the Welsh Athletics International event. It was
a superb experience for Piers, who raced alongside big names such as GB star
Christian Malcolm.
Not
a bad effort from the 2013 cohort!