After the excitement of Friday Night Lights, there was no time for relaxation as the teams were preparing to take on Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. The opposition has had a strong start to the season, and it was a tough week for the Shiplake teams. However, lessons were definitely learnt and victories by the U16A and U15A were celebrated. In hockey, the Girls' XI took on the mixed teams from Gillotts School, and proved that they were a strong team by drawing, showing how far they'd come since their defeat at the hands of the local rival previously.

Rugby

2nd XV 14-22 Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood

Thank you to Mr Adam Mallins for the following report of a difficult match on a frosty morning:

‘‘Twas a cold and frosty morning, and as news trickled down that the 1st XV had struggled to make an impact against our opposition the night before, the 2nd XV looked more keen for snuggling under a duvet with a cup of hot chocolate than travelling to Merchant Taylors' for a fight in the frost. Nevertheless, as the whistle blew for the start of the match, our breath may still have been cold but our spirits had been fired up, and we came out the blocks with an intensity not seen too often this season. Our pack; smaller, shorter but wiser, battled hard at the breakdowns and tackled ferociously to ensure our full strength back line could receive some ball. And receive some ball they did. The opposition midfield were in disarray for most of the game and every time we danced our cuts, loops and slices, we fox-trotted our way over the gain line and into opposition territory. In response, MTS decided to play the tactics of decades gone by; kicks to the corner, line-outs and driving mauls and we simply did not have the beef to stop them. MTS rolled over the line with relative ease but this only made us want to dance even more. It wasn’t too long before Will Parton glided through the middle to put us on the scoreboard. In training over this week we had been working on scenarios, thinking about how we close out halves, how we chase down a game. Come half time we had a scenario, we were up by 2 points but now had the slope, the wind, and the angle of the sun. This was our game, our win. We just had to play the right game. But, we didn’t. Excited by the success of our dance moves in the first half, we continued to Tango, to Cha Cha Cha, but we were dancing on the wrong part of the floor. We continued to run out of our own 22, we took risks and unfortunately allowed MTS to dance their own merry tune. Despite some heroics from our front eight and another brilliant piece of footwork by Ollie Potter to set up Will Parton’s second try, we were trailing 22-14 for the last 10 minutes of the match; a new scenario to think about. As the minutes ticked by we found ourselves pinned in our own half with a few gutsy, darting runs from us and last minute tackles from MTS to keep the score line unchanged. For those that watch Strictly, this may have been our Blackpool moment. Guest coach (and avid Strictly fan) Mr Jonnie Howorth commented that he had never seen a Shiplake side play with such passion and spirit. We may not have got the win, but this great, gutsy and graceful performance was worthy of any glitter ball trophy. We have just two matches left this season and for some their last two matches for Shiplake College; if we can play with the same intensity and creativity then the 2nd XV may well have saved their best dance for last.'

U16C 7-55 Merchant Taylors’ School

Thank you to Mr Grant Lawson for the following report on a hard match against a quick side:

‘Shiplake started the game well; a competitive first 10 minutes saw end-to-end action as each team sized up their opposition, and strong tackles and committed rucking saw Shiplake gain the majority of possession. However, Merchant Taylors’ had more games under their belt this season and their better organisation led to sustained pressure and a series of quick scores which knocked Shiplake’ s confidence. As half time approached, Shiplake began to assert themselves again. The forwards - led by Man of the Match James Daniel - began to punch holes in the defence, strong carries from James Daniel, James Berntson and Jordan Scott-Ely stretched MT’s defence, allowing our backs into the game. With quick feet and strong hand offs, joint Man of the Match Fin Gross made several line breaks, with support from Daniel Anstey, Angus Moig and Matthew Greenham. Half time allowed fresh legs onto the pitch and we started the half well, before again MT’s struck again with two quick tries. At this point the game could have run away from Shiplake but they went back to their strengths, pick and go, with quick offloads in the forwards and strong tackles, which again allowed us to dominate possession. Try of the season came from a break out of our 22 on the right wing from Rafe Koser, carried on by Daniel then Gross, who fed Morris to surge up the pitch before Berntson carried the ball into the opposition 22 to feed Anstey, who ran the try in down the left wing, scoring under the posts. Shiplake were deservedly jubilant as Firth slotted over the conversion. It was unfortunate that this game proved to be our only loss of the season, but as captain Alex Webster said after the match “all the players can be proud of their attitude and commitment; we never gave up and played right to the final whistle.”’

U15A 32-27 Merchant Taylors' School

Thank you to Mr Richard Curtis for the following report of another victory for the U15As:

'Amazing . . . how one decision made at the end of the first half changed momentum in this game to see Shiplake nearly snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. For the first twenty minutes the Shiplake boys were totally dominant playing some dynamic rugby, holding on to the ball, patiently working through the phases and picking up five tries in the process. 27-0 and the half time whistle had not yet been blown. Then for some unknown reason Shiplake tried to run the ball out of their 22. Knock-on. One minute later MTS crossed the Shiplake whitewash for the first time and came out all guns blazing the second half. Now playing against the slope, Shiplake struggled with the intensity of the opposition runners in the second half, and MTS quickly picked up three more scores to bring the game down to a single try. Some great interplay down the left-hand channel enabled Shiplake to gain field position to launch a try-scoring play and seal the game. However, even with time ebbing away, the opposition would not lie down and finished the scoring in virtually the final play of the game.'

U15B 0-47 Merchant Taylors’ School

Thank you to Mr James Arney for the following report:

‘The U15Bs lost in a difficult match against MTS. Finding themselves up against a strong and efficient team, the boys worked well together but couldn’t get across the all-important try line. Man of the Match went to Dom Deakin.’

U14A 0-49 Merchant Taylors’ School

Thank you to James Burgess for the following report:

‘After last week’s defeat Shiplake wanted to improve but knowing that it wouldn't be an easy game. MTS kicked off, Shiplake received the ball deep in there 22 which meant having to kick the ball out to allow Shiplake to reorganise. After some really strong defensive play from Shiplake, MTS went over to score the first try of the game. Shiplake’s defence was holding out very well, considering the amount of pressure they were under, but not long after MTS went over again. That really was the story of the game; a lot of pressure being put on the Shiplake defence, then after a solid period of defence the ball would eventually find its way over the try line. The game finished 49-0 to MTS, but the score line doesn't reflect the game at all as Shiplake played brilliantly, especially in defence. Special mention to Casper Hjortland-Marks who was awarded Man of the Match.’

U14C 12-70 Merchant Taylors' School

Thank you to Mr Chris Alcock, who has turned this disappointing final score into a parody of playwright Samuel Beckett's world-famous play, Waiting For Godot.

‘Waiting for Webb Ellis’, by  Chris ‘Samuel Beckett’ Alcock

Scene: A rugby pitch in the Thames Valley.

A  chilly Saturday morning in November, after yet another  heavy defeat, this time at the hands of Merchant Taylors' School. A 14 C Player is trying to pull off his boots, but gives up, panting breathlessly. He tries again, then gives up.

1st 14C Player: Nothing to be done…

2nd 14C Player : (advancing with short, stiff strides, legs wide apart). I'm beginning to come round to that opinion. All my life I've tried to put it from me, saying , be reasonable, you haven't yet tried everything. And I resumed the struggle. (He broods, musing on the struggle. Turning to the 1st 14C Player.) So there you are again.

1st 14C Player: Am I !?

2nd 14C Player: I’m glad to see you’re still alive. I thought you’d got concussion.

1st 14C Player: Me too.

2nd 14C Player: Thank Goodness that’s over. For another 2 weeks at least.

1st 14C Player: Help me get this boot off.

2nd 14C Player: ( ignores his request). Let’s Go.

1st 14C player: We can’t.

2nd 14C Player: Why not?

1st 14C Player: We’re waiting for Webb Ellis.

2nd 14C Player: Who? Are you sure?

1st 14C Player: Yes, he’ll tell us how to win.

2nd 14C Player: Win? What’s that?

1st 14C Player: I’m not sure, but apparently you feel different.

2nd 14C Player: How?

1st 14C Player: I don’t know.

2nd 14C Player: (with heavy sarcasm) Great.

1st 14c Player: Otherwise it’s all just pointless.

2nd 14C Player: Like that Growing your Set Mind idea?

1st 14C Player: What?

2nd 14C Player: You know, Just try….

1st 14C Player: ( heavily) You mean can I just score a try?

2nd 14C Player: Look.

1st 14C Player: What?

Enter Mr Alcock and Mr Elmore. Mr Alcock is wearing an old striped Shiplake rugger shirt, white long shorts, long green socks, and a frayed Shiplake cap. Mr Elmore is dressed in a smart Shiplake blazer, ironed chinos and shiny brogues, and is sporting a handlebar moustache.

Mr Alcock: Never mind chaps. I’m Webb Ellis, and soon we will be spinning the ball to the wings, tackling like demons, and living the Twickenham varsity dream?

Mr Elmore: (singing)  When I tread the turf of Cardiff, bid my anxious fears subside…

Enter a tall Japanese boy with an expression of terrible ferocity on his face.

Japanese Boy: ( growling menacingly in halting but clear English) I am Kinoshita. I just scored a try.  I ran hard. They couldn’t stop me.

1st 14C Player: I think I’m having a nightmare…..

2nd 14C Player: That GRTP thingy, is it 3 or 4 weeks?

1st 14C Player: I don’t know

2nd 14C Player: Let’s ask Webb Ellis, if he turns up…

They watch with mystified faces as the Japanese Boy, Mr Alcock and Mr Elmore perform an elaborate passing drill with many different coloured cones, wearing  day glo’ padded suits, then exit.

The End.

U13A 8-6 Abingdon School

Thank you Mr Nick Brown for the report of a successful match for the U13As:

‘After a poor showing against Gillotts at FNL, the U13s were determined to put in a good performance against Abingdon. Having played them earlier in the season we knew how strong they were, but we made a great start with three early tries. Strong running from Jai Angel, Milo Connelly and Archie Arnold dented the Abingdon confidence, and excellent support play from Sam Horne, Alex Rowe, Tom Sharpe, Henry Poustie and Matty Hartrup ensured our continued dominance. At half time we were just one score up and looked in danger of losing our grip on the match. However, despite Abingdon strengthening their line-up, our discipline and organisation held whilst theirs collapsed. It was a great team performance and we were proud to have beaten such tough opposition.’

U12A 0-20 Abingdon School

Thank you to Mr Tom Crisford the following report on a disappointing match:

‘After all the excitement of FNL for the U12s it was almost inevitable that we would have a come down and, sure enough, Abingdon School certainly gave us a reality check in our latest match. Despite our best efforts Abingdon dominated the match from start to finish with powerful running and excellent break down work and with this they scored a number of unanswered tries with the match finishing 20-0. Although this may sound like a bad day in the office for the Under 12s there continue to be so many positives and with a little refinement this team certainly has the making of a fantastic team. We look forward to our training session to put some of the areas that did not go to plan right and with three games of the season left I am sure we will finish the season with some strong performances.’

Hockey

Girls’ 1st XI 1-1 Gillotts School

Thank you to Head of Girls’ Games Mr Tom Walter for the following report on another well-played match by the girls’ hockey team:

‘Shiplake welcomed Gillotts to Reading for the second time this season, looking to take revenge on the earlier 2:0 defeat back in September. With the rain pouring and the floodlights on, the venue for this local derby could not have been better for what some considered the girl’s version of Friday Night Lights. The question remained; could they outdo the boys and come away with victory?

Shiplake and Gillotts both started the match at a high intensity, with the pace catching both sets of players by surprise and leaving huge gaps on space on the pitch. The game was the definition of end-to-end, with both teams exchanging early attacks on goal and counter-attacking at speed. Emily Duncan made some exceptional saves in goal to keep the scores level early on, and momentum swung in Shiplake’s favour as they strung together some sharp passes to win a short corner. The result was a shot on goal from captain Issy Webster, which was intelligently followed up by the ever impressive Brooke Creighton who slotted the ball past the Gillotts’ keeper. The lead was unfortunately short-lived as Gillotts took advantage of a quick counter attack, and were queuing up on the far post to tap in a rebound after two brilliant saves from Emily Duncan, to take the teams into the half time break at 1:1.

The girls were clearly tiring from the fast pace of the game and were issued instructions to slow the game down and look after the ball. Daisy Stuart, who had been solid at the back, had to sit out the second half with injury but was deputised for excellently by Georgina Gilbey and Beth Findlay, with Beth showing her usual composure throughout. As the second half wore on, Shiplake gained the upper hand with some relentless pressure; Lauren McNally grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and supplying the forwards with chances with her dangerous slap hit and powerful running. Hannah Burnett impressed throughout with some great forward play and clearly benefitted from Monday’s training session on hitting the ball, as she peppered the opposition D with balls. Liv Bartlett always looked likely to get on the scoresheet as she stretched the play and gave Shiplake height up front, but unfortunately Shiplake could not take advantage of the pressure and will be disappointed not to have taken all three points from the game.

What can be taken from this game is the progress the team has made in such a short space of time. The whole team played well together and supported each other throughout the match, showing intelligent and decisive decision making on and off the ball. With a few fixtures remaining, the team will hope they can keep up their outstanding form from the second half of this term and remain unbeaten. Player of the Match: Emily Duncan.’