The Shiplake teams posted a mix bag of results following this week's matches. Hockey and netball teams experienced some heavy losses during Wednesday's matches, and the cold weather and constant threat of snow made it difficult for players to relax and get into the swing of the game. However, it is still early in the season and as the teams gain more practise playing together, confidence rises. There are many victories still to be had!

Football

1st XI 1-1 Easthampstead Park School

Thank you to Mr Alex Duncan for the following report of an evenly-matched game, from Wednesday 11 January:

‘Shiplake headed into their third fixture in seven days with confidence despite last weekend's disappointments. From the start, Shiplake took the game to the hosts and Callum Murray got to the byline frequently only to find his crosses blocked, cleared or narrowly missed by oncoming Shiplake midfielders. Shiplake switched the play nicely and had the ball on the floor for the majority of the game, which was an improvement on last week. Unfortunately, having not capitalised on our dominance, we once again conceded the first goal, when their best player burst into the box and his low cross was met by the big striker, who buried his chance. More pressure from Shiplake led to numerous chances but shooting over and not testing the keeper was a mistake. A big positive to be taken was the amount of tactical changes, which were adapted to very well and the fact that Shiplake simply never give up. With 10 minutes to go, the nervous gaffers decided to throw everything at Easthampstead and risked three at the back, pushing everyone forward in search of the equaliser. It came with two minutes left. A front post corner was flicked on by Ben Monson and Callum Theodorou calmly helped the ball into the roof of the net with a glancing header. A draw was the very least that was deserved. Man of the Match goes to Miles Bridgman for his leadership and strong bursts in the second half, driving the team forward.’

1st XI 1-4 University College School

Thank you to Mr Duncan for the following report:

‘This was our fourth match in a busy season and there are lots of positive signs for this team. The work rate, energy, discipline and teamwork is really flourishing, despite losing the match. The game plan was to be resolute and to defend well, with counter-attacks being our most effective weapon. For 35 minutes Shiplake were excellent. The team closed down, rushed and pressurized UCS and cleared well when needed. With 5 minutes remaining of the first half Shiplake conceded – a goal which would grace a premier league game. Unfortunately, the second goal came within 2 minutes and Shiplake felt hard done by being 2-0 at half time. A third goal soon into the second half would have killed off most opposition, but this is when Shiplake came alive and looked their best. Callum Murray intercepted a loose pass, skipped away from the tackler and covering defenders and after a 30 yard run, slotted calmly into the corner to put the hosts back into the game. Further chances came but eventually UCS scored a fourth as Shiplake pushed forward with nothing to lose. Men of the match were Callum Murray and Darius Braun. All boys were hard-working and resilient and we look forward to our next match.’

2nd XI 1-8 University College School

Thank you to Mr Tiki Ebun-Cole for the following report:

‘Our opponents on Saturday demonstrated the kind of football we hope to be playing as the season progresses. UCS played a very simple but effective pass-and-move game. It always felt like they had hours on the ball to pick out the correct pass. They were also very effective at denying us time on the ball with their quick pressing. In the face of their attractive football we neglected what we have been practising in training and instead went for long balls. Sam Neil, stand-in goalkeeper for the day, had a good game despite conceding eight goals (two from the penalty spot). Ben Westbrook-Burr kept us in the game at half time, with a well taken penalty kick which was awarded for a foul on Finn Arbuckle. JJ Acton had another noteworthy game, showing strength and determination to keep attacks on his side to a minimum. On the day that he was confirmed as captain of the 2nd XI, Ross Johnstone played like one.

We look forward to picking ourselves up from this disappointing game and giving a good account of ourselves against the Oratory on Wednesday 18 January.’

3rd XI 1-7 University College School

Thank you to Mr Richard Ebbage for the following report of a tough match for the 3rd XI:

‘The 3rd XI took to the field for their second fixture of the season against UCS this Saturday. The team had won their first fixture but there had been many selection changes since that point so it was always going to be interesting to see the outcome of these. The lack of experience playing together showed early and Shiplake were contained to their own half for the first 20 minutes. By this point we were 2-0 down but things started to settle and some nice football saw us venture into the opposition half more before half time. “Start how you ended” was the call at half time and that we did. Unfortunately, the UCS team talk must have involved picking up on our weaknesses – playing as a team, particularly at the back- and so we were undone time and again, conceding 5 more goals. Some positives were some more adventurous forward runs and a moment of magic from Ben Atkin as he struck the ball sweetly from 20 yards out, evading the keeper and going in off the underside of the bar to pull one back for Shiplake. 7-1 loss. Some tough lessons learnt.’

4th XI 1-7 University College School

Thank you to Mr Paul McGraw for the following report:

'The 4th XI played their first fixture on Saturday at home to UCS. The first half of the match was combative and competitive with the highlight being a fluid counter-attacking goal from Alferick Philiskirk. The score at half time was 2-1. In the second half UCS showed their superior organisation and team work with some effective crosses and a goal from a  particularly spectacular direct free kick from 35 yards out. Shiplake were guilty of losing their discipline and team shape in the last 20 minutes and were in the end defeated by a margin of 7 goals to 1. With some hard work on the training field the boys will make big improvements as the season progresses.'

U12A 3-2 Bohunt School and U12B 0-4 St Joseph’s School

Thank you to Mr Ebbage for the following report:

‘On Friday 13 January the U12 A & B teams welcomed Bohunt School, Wokingham and St Joseph’s, Reading to be our first opponents this season. The first half started with the U12As vs. St Joseph’s and the U12Bs vs. Bohunt. Both visiting teams started well, with Bohunt scoring early and continuing to hammer the Shiplake U12B goal - the half ended 0-6 to Bohunt. Shiplake U12As took an early lead in their game and ended the half 2-0 up. With a view to giving all teams a challenge, the teams were switched at half time so the second half was played as U12A vs. Bohunt and U12B vs. St Joseph’s – this created 2 much more even halves with Shiplake U12A coming out victorious 3-2 winners against Bohunt and Shiplake U12Bs battling hard yet succumbing to a 4-0 loss. Football was the overall winner on this occasion.’

Hockey

U15A 4-0 Pangbourne College

Thank you to Mr Richard Curtis for the following report of a tough match against Pangbourne College:

‘With two members of the U15 squad heading off to the 1st XI, this match was always going to be a major challenge. And so it proved.

Shiplake started the match on the back foot and rarely secured possession for long enough to present Pangbourne with any major defensive difficulties. Indeed, most of the play occurred in the Shiplake 23. Having said that, it is pleasing to note that whilst the opposition were a constant threat, their scoring opportunities were limited due to the determination of the Shiplake team to get behind the ball whenever they lost possession.

With the exception of the odd breakaway, the U15s managed to secure little in the way of attacking ball and lacked control in the final third to ever look like scoring. In summary, a 4-0 loss represented a good day’s grind with some stalwart defending and excellent goal-keeping but with much to do on the practice field in the coming weeks.’

Netball

2nd VII 3-57 Gordon's School

Thank you to Mimi Brough for the following report:

'Last Wednesday Shiplake played against Gordon's School. Gordon's were a very high ability due to fact that they had a lot of experience being in a league, and had been working as a team together for five years. However, Shiplake still kept their heads held high throughout this tricky match, and took it in their stride. The goals were scored by Ibby Peacock and Mimi Brough. Jade Miller got Player of the Match with her great interceptions and tight marking of the players; there was no getting away from her! The score was not what we hoped for, with the final score 3-57 to Gordon's. However, we were all very proud of each others achievements and how well we all worked as team, especially as this was our first match together.'