It was a difficult week for the Shiplake teams, as they took on rivals from King’s College School, Wimbledon. KCS proved to be more than a match for most of the teams, although the level of playing was significantly improved – even from last week – as the Shiplake sides gave it their all. The U15As had another successful fixture – their third win in a row – and the teams are now gearing up to take on Merchant Taylors’ School during this coming week.
Girls’ hockey also had a great week, as they successfully took on Lord Wandsworth College, putting another win under their belts.
Rugby
2nd XV 5-34 King's College School, Wimbledon
Thank you to Mr David Sharkey for the following report:
'"What would the world be, once bereft
Of wet and wildness?"
Inversnaid - Gerard Manley Hopkins
There is something that only comes to the fore on a rugby pitch when the elements are at their worst. It is often a challenge that both teams seem to relish and enjoy. The hard work and efforts are somehow doubled and while the game may not flow as much as we would wish, the players in the trenches enjoy the battle. So was the match against KCS who had brought some heavy artillery in the form of their pack. At kick-off it looked as if the visitors from Wimbledon would over power the Shiplake troops. That was until the big KCS forwards met with the doggedness of Tom Hallam, Tom Paine and Justin VanVeuren who felled them time after time. The early exchanges were ferocious as Shiplake looked to match the opposition's physicality. In fact it was the home side who dominated the early territorial battle through some intelligent kicking from vice-captain Ollie Potter at fly-half. Shiplake continued to batter the KCS line but it held firm. A marginally forward pass to Harry Rees on the wing was the closest the home side looked at breaking the deadlock but the eagle-eyed referee was to deny them.
As KCS managed to weather the storm they got some territory and took both of their chances by wrestling their way over and to take the half-time lead at 0-10.
The second half started with great intensity and the pack were putting in an impressive shift through the ball carrying of James Vizard, Will Properjohn and Jack Douglas, all of whom were expertly led by Captain George Emeny who toiled all day long. The backs were not to be outdone as their superb running lines and handling skills were supremely executed. Electric pace and power was provided by Will Parton while the footwork of Lucas Smyth and Ben Monson was equally impressive. A quick score by KCS dented Shiplake hopes to gain a foothold in the match but they would not be denied a score of their own. Some open flowing rugby in spite of the weather, had the visitors run ragged and breaks by Harry Rees and Conor Crowe gave Shiplake some territory near the KCS line. Following a scrum, the backs combined superbly with some intricate passing and offloads to cross the whitewash and make it 15-5. Unfortunately, the home side failed to build on this momentum and late in the game, the conditions and tiredness began to take hold. Some basic errors were ruthlessly punished by the visitors who crossed for a few scores to put a gloss on their victory that was much more hard fought that the scoreboard would suggest..
U16A 5-27 King's College School, Wimbledon
Thank you to Captain Josh Howard for the following report:
'For the U16A this was going to be one of our toughest fixtures of the season. The game started evenly, with both teams sharing possession in the wet conditions. KCS were first to score, but Shiplake responded strongly and earned themselves a try by Jack Rees. After the Shiplake score KCS started to play a more tactical game, and playing the game in the Shiplake half, which allowed them to build pressure and eventually score. At half time KCS were in the lead. Shiplake played the second half very strongly, with good defence and a lot of attacking possession. KCS’s defence was very strong, and kept the under U16A’s from scoring. The final score was 27-5 to KCS.
The U16As showed a resilient performance, and our defence and attack was very good at times during the game, which put KCS under lots of pressure, especially in the second half, There were some notable performances from Aelfric Philiskirk, for very strong defending and attacking, and Robbie Cartwright for his strong defence.'
U16B 0-38 King’s College School, Wimbledon
‘If ever there was a ‘game of two halves’ this was it! Shiplake were poor in the first half and were 24-0 down at half time, conceding four tries through poor defending. After the first hairdryer treatment of the season at half time from coaches Duncan and Miller, the response was phenomenal. Wave after wave of Shiplake attack was somehow defended by KCS. In the 35 minutes, the ball was in KCS territory for 33. However, both times KCS cleared their lines, they scored and added a further 14 points to their total, leaving the final score-line as an unsatisfactory and frankly unfair 38-0 loss. This team has the spirit and talent to comeback strongly next week so we look forward to hosting Merchant Taylors’ School. A tough result but some proud coaches and parents on the sidelines following the second half performance. Man of the Match went to Joe Ruffle for an outstanding display at fly-half.’
Mr Alex Duncan
U15A 31-12 King’s College School, Wimbledon
‘A wet and miserable morning followed a wet and miserable night and therefore running rugby was always going to be in short supply on Saturday. Quickly gaining possession deep in the opposition half following the kick-off, Shiplake tore into Kings with some rampaging runs and fine ball handling from both forwards and backs leading to the first try of the match. Thinking that this would be the pattern of the day, the U15s immediately tried to play the ball out of their 22 from the restart and quickly turned over possession leading to the opposition scoring quite close to the posts. A few choice words later and Shiplake were back in the box seat with some superb driving play and excellent control of field position from both half backs for the remainder of the match. Kings could not cope with the relentless pressure and soon fell away, eventually losing by 12-31 with Shiplake pouncing upon a series of errors at various intervals throughout the game.
After a shaky start it was pleasing to see the team adapting to conditions and managing their game to suit the appalling weather.’
Mr Richard Curtis
U15B 5-41 King’s College School, Wimbledon
‘The U15Bs had a difficult match against KCS, eventually losing by 41 points to 5. Despite a challenging first half, they put in a very strong performance in the second half, only conceding 10 points. Shiplake ended the game on a high note, with a well-deserved try from Ben Brockway.’
Mr James Arney
U14C 5-43 Lord Wandsworth College
Thank you to Mr Chris Alcock for the poetic report:
'Just because we did not win
Did not mean we were bad,
But down in the valley of sin,
The coaches did go mad.
The Worthy Lords did Wander
Into our twenty two
Whilst we did watch and ponder
Each ruck lost anew.
But now at last we’ve learned
To advance in steady line
Otherwise we know they’ll score
If we don’t quickly align.
So onto MTs on Sat.
Back here in the valley of sin
But this time it’ll be us,
Celebrating a win!'
U14C 72-0 King’s College School
Poetry and sports seem to go hand in hand recently! Many thanks to Mr Aled Elmore for this poetic report of a challenging match:
‘Blisteringly fast! What else can I say?
We shall not ever mention the score from this day
Since the effort put forth by all se’nteen of the lads
Was worthy of praise, exceedingly glad!
No substitutions! But knowledge of play
Allowed the 15 to shuffle alway’
To the positions required without altercation
Which lowered morale earlier this season
Roxburgh-Smith and Richards appeared
Much earlier than we initially feared
Into the game they ran like hounds
And continued the battle that made Shiplake so proud
Gather your strength KCS, for you’ll weep
When Henley boys next come to storm the keep.’
Hockey
Girls 1st XI 4-0 Lord Wandsworth College
Thank you to Captain of Girls’ Hockey Issy Webster for the following report of another successful fixture!
‘On Wednesday 9 November, Shiplake College played against Lord Wandsworth School at Reading Hockey Club. The first quarter of the match was exciting and it seemed the teams were evenly matched. Shiplake continued to demonstrate just how much they have developed over the season by working well together as they passed the ball around the pitch confidently and held the ball in the Lord Wandsworth half. After a few skilful passes, Liv Bartlett scored the first goal with a well taken finish. By the end of the first quarter, the continual Shiplake pressure paid off with another cool finish scored by Brooke Creighton.
The second and third quarters were slightly different, as the players in the squad who had not played as much hockey that term were all put on the pitch to give them some valuable experience. Even though they had not played together much, they managed to control the ball well and have a few attempts at goal. Particular mention should go to Chelsea Holliday who made several vital tackles, and Ibby Peacock who managed to get into some dangerous areas on the pitch. Lauren McNally helped keep the game alive as she put in tackle after tackle on the Lord Wandsworth attackers and showed her strong carrying the ball, relentlessly driving down the right flank all the way up the pitch to Lord Wandworth’s goal.
The final quarter was exciting as the starting line-up were put on again. In the first few minutes the game was tense, but Shiplake managed to get the ball into Lord Wandsworth territory and have a shot at goal. The ball hit it the side of the goalie’s foot and as the other team defenders tried to get it out of the D, they tapped it into the goal instead, therefore giving Shiplake another goal. Liv Barlett finished off the visitors with one final well taken finish and everyone can look back on the match as a huge success for the team as they won 4-0 and every member of the squad played an important role for the team. This also means that Shiplake have won all their matches this half of term. Hopefully the team will carry on like this for the rest of the term.’