An interesting week of fixtures against local and long-standing rival Pangbourne College produced interesting results – some very close, some less so… The losses were tight, whilst there were some runaway victors! The first ever all girls’ hockey team headed out to Kendrick Grammar School for their first hockey match of the season.

Rugby

2nd XV 10-14 Pangbourne College

Thank you to Mr David Sharkey for the following long, but nonetheless entertaining, report of a harrowing match for the Shiplake 2s:

‘One fixture. Two teams. Six injuries. Two pitches. Three trips to the medical centre. Another late score to snatch victory from Shiplake hands. The Battle of Pangbourne is a game that will stay with those long after it concluded. While the bumps, bruises and, in the unfortunate case of Spencer Smith, dislocated shoulder will heal, the immediate desire might well be to forget about this game as quickly as possible. We all have bad days at the office. We all have days we would rather consign to history rather than dwell upon. But if were to do so, how could we ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes unless we dwell on them and learn from them? No running from this battle. Shiplake need to 'own' this loss. Take responsibility for it and only then, move on.

This was a tough loss to take because of the manner in which it came about, as Shiplake dominated many of the earlier exchanges. The first half saw the visitors hold onto the ball well and begin to break holes in the Pangbourne defence. The inability to maximise the possession and territory was a concern but eventually Brad Wilkins crossed to give Shiplake the lead going into half time. By this stage, the team had lost Spencer, James Vizard and Andrew Fearn to injury but there were more than capable deputies in try scorer Brad, George Docwra and a 2s debut for Joe Szweda.

Facing an uphill battle in the second half - literally - Shiplake spent much time defending their own line. Big tackles from the engine room of the pack, Seb Rivett and Will Thomsett meant Pangbourne would have to really earn their score. Ollie Potter cleared his lines well on several occasions and Shiplake looked to be clawing their way out of their own half of the pitch. A few brief forays into Pangbourne territory yielded no scores despite some bright moments from the two Wills in the centre. The score was precariously balanced at 5 - nil to Shiplake when an injury meant we needed to decamp to another pitch. The same intensity to the game seemed to ebb from the Shiplake players who appeared to be falling off tackles and struggling to keep the ball. Pangbourne sensed blood and crossed the line with 5 minutes left on the clock. Their conversion made it 7-5 and finally Shiplake had their wake up call. Their tore into tackles and rucks as the home side desperately tried to hold on for the win. Will Parton's 70 yard run to the tryline and score was a sublime piece of skill that felt like one of those rare game winning moments. It was not to be the winning try in this encounter unfortunately. At 10-7 with two minutes to play, Shiplake needed to hold onto the ball. The fact Pangbourne gathered the restart right from the hands of Shiplake was an ominous sign of things to come. Credit to Pangbourne who fought so valiantly and earned their victory due to their dogged display. For Shiplake, it was frustrating as they left too much to chance and failed to seize several opportunities to control the contest. The battle may well have been lost but there will many more to come. 

PS A big thank you to parents who helped out with some of the injuries. It was great to have the parents to help managing all of the battered and bruised fellows. Your support continues to impress us all!’

U15A 17-27 Pangbourne College

‘A very frustrating day for all concerned. Having moved the ball quickly through hands Shiplake went over the whitewash for an early lead but then resorted to kicking away possession at every available opportunity. Pangbourne capitalised on this wealth of possession posting three un-answered scores of their own. 5-19 down at half time was a fair reflection on a disappointing first period.

The U15As started the second half with a clear mandate to run the opposition off their feet and following a multitude of phases they brought the game back to life with a stunning score; with everyone contributing in one way or another. But for a lack of accuracy (7 clear overlaps going begging) Shiplake would have romped home. Sadly, it was not to be and Pangbourne eventually sealed the game 27-17.

Disappointing – yes . . . but lots of lesson learnt too!’

Mr Richard Curtis

U15B 29-12 Pangbourne College

The U15Bs had a successful match against local rivals Pangbourne. With tries from Ben Brockway, Will Carpenter, Taryn Ruparel, Rory Abery and Marcus Coulter, the U15Bs are definitely a side to be reckoned with! Joe Rayner scored two conversions, and Man of the Match went to Jack Powell. A convincing win!

U14A 45-14 Pangbourne College

Thank you to Captain James Burgess for the following report of a brilliantly successful match!

‘After Tuesday's result against Thorpe House, Shiplake wanted to continue their good form. We won the toss and decided to kick-off. After a couple of strong carries from Pangbourne, Shiplake turned the ball over. The ball got out to James Burgess who went through the Pangbourne defence and scored Shiplake’s first try of the day. Shortly after that, James Burgess scored again. Shiplake got the ball out wide to Angus Wood, who finished a well-worked try off under the posts. After a strong start to the game from Shiplake, Pangbourne’s No.8 spotted a gap in the Shiplake defence and brought one back for Pangbourne. Then, just before halftime, Shiplake got one more to make the score 24-7 at the halfway stage.

Shiplake started the second half strongly, with another try from James Burgess. A try from Theo Fewtrell gave Shiplake a comfortable lead. Not long after Theo Fewtrell’s try Pangbourne scored again. Two tries from Archie McArthur sealed it for Shiplake as they won 45-14. Special mention to Zac Kennedy who was awarded Man of the Match.’

U13B 7-5 Caldicott Preparatory School

‘On Wednesday 14 September, the U13B rugby team welcomed Caldicott School. On a gloriously sunny afternoon more suited to cricket than rugby, both sides were committed to running the ball. However, the greater experience of the Shiplake team meant that they were on the front foot for most of the opening exchanges. Excellent, direct running led to tries for Henry Poustie and Sam Horn with many other players coming close due owing to excellent support play. Caldicott’s big runners brought them back into game with a few excellent tries but further scores from Jamie Liu and Hal McLaren made the game safe.’

Mr Paul Jones

U12A 10-40 Epsom College

Thank you to Mr Tom Crisford for the following report:

‘The Under 12 A Rugby team headed to Epsom College for what was a really tough fixture particularly with the 20 mile walk very much still causing some aches and pains in the legs. Epsom College started the games quickly and a number of very powerful runners broke through the Shiplake line suggesting that this could be a tough game for the boys but Shiplake responded with real determination and as the defence improved so did our attacking game. Lucas Ferrer de Arriiba once again showed some fantastic footwork and from a difficult position managed to score a wonderful solo try taking the score to three tries to 1 at half time. The second half proved to be a very tough with Epsom showing the boys how to ruck and how to spread the ball wide but the boys kept going right until the end and it was pleasing to see Flynn Wilson score a try and put in a real strong performance throughout the game.’

Hockey

1st XI 1-3 Kendrick School

Thank you to Sophia Gibbs for the following report:

‘On Wednesday 21 September Shiplake’s first ever all girls’ hockey team set out to play Kendrick Grammar School with much enthusiasm. The game was sure to be a challenge being the first of the season but spirits were high. The game started off with a Kendrick ball that was quickly confronted by Shiplake’s attacking unit, leading to a tough contest in the centre of the pitch lasting several minutes. Eventually this lead to a breakthrough for Kendrick, where a several efforts at goal were thwarted by a remarkable defensive effort from goal keeper Emily Duncan.

Shiplake conceded several short corners within the next few minutes as nerves were rising for the defence and Kendrick’s attack relentlessly pressured and stretched the Shiplake back line. The ever energetic Lauren McNally took control of the game after a fierce contention with several players and dribbled the ball up the wing, releasing the Shiplake attackers managed to squeeze through the first shot at goal, unfortunately unsuccessful by only a few inches. Kendrick fought back strongly securing the first goal of the match through a fortunate deflection from a short corner, which wrong-footed Duncan in goal.

After a half time talk from Coach Mr Walter, Shiplake were raring to go with a fresh mind-set that lead to Shiplake’s first ever goal by Issy Webster, who proved to be a real thorn in the side of Kendrick all afternoon. The second half flowed, Shiplake showed huge progress as the players familiarised themselves with their positions and each other. Several shots at goal were taken but unfortunately just off target and less defensive short corners were conceded. Kendrick managed to scrape two late goals, one after a fierce contest between Emily Duncan and two other Kendrick players where the ball only just rolled over the line, and Shiplake were unlucky not to respond with some heavy attacking intent in an exciting finish to the game.

The final score was 3-1 to Kendrick it was an unfortunate and slightly unjust defeat with the match evenly balanced, yet with the progress shown in those 40 minutes alone we are all expecting big things from the girls’ hockey in the future. The effort and team spirit could not be faulted. Well done girls!’