It was an interesting week for Shiplake's sport teams; some fantastic wins saw the U15A football team and 2nd VII netball team celebrating, whilst some marginal losses meant it was a disappointing week for others. The 1st XI footballers, after a convincing win against Reading School, found themselves evenly matched against Gordon's School; although they drew nil-nil, the teams were very equal in ability and it made for some interesting play.
Football
1st XI 2-1 Reading School
'The 1st XI took on Reading School in their third match of the ISFA Thames Valley league. The season may have been described as frustrating up until this point as the team had 2 draws and 4 losses to show from their games so far, which really does not do justice to the hard work and determination put in by the players. Against a team we drew to last year, we saw this as a chance to set the record straight. We started well with an early Callum Murray run down the right side resulting in an enticing cross and near miss. The Reading attack also tested our defence with runs into the box but we were more than up to it; the back four of Joe Kerrison, Miles Bridgman, Joe Ruffle and Cameron Goodliffe looking the most solid we have all year. Callum Theodorou was notable with his break-up play in the CDM role as well. Shiplake had the better of the first half but it ended 0-0. We went back out in the second half with a determination to play as well as the first half but to break the deadlock this time. Reading showed a real desire to do the same which made for a very entertaining game. Darius Braun tried an audacious heal flick for an attempt on goal only to be denied by the Reading keeper. Joe Booth ran his socks off in attack for the 6th game in a row and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in both halves. Matty Fitzgerald then had a go up top and this is where we found the break-through - he brought down a lofted ball, beat two defenders, rounded the keeper and tapped into an empty net - a wonderful goal. Reading were level again within 4 mins as Shiplake looked like we didn't know how to handle being ahead and our positioning went astray for the first time in the match. The game was far from over and we were soon ahead for the second time, again through Fitzgerald. Matty made a darting run into the opposition box and was brought down by a defender. He then coolly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom corner. Shiplake managed to hold on for the final 15 minutes to record a well-deserved first win of the season. Man of the Match - Matty Fitzgerald.'
Mr Richard Ebbage
1st XI 0-0 Gordon’s School
‘After the first win of the season on Wednesday, it was important to follow up with a positive performance against a team we lost 8-0 to earlier in the season. That is exactly what happened as the team defended superbly throughout the game and had a couple of good chances to win the game at the end. A 0-0 sounds boring but it was anything but....it was an entertaining game with Skipper Miles Bridgman controlling the defence, Alex Shean and Callum Murray industrious in midfield and on the wing and a Man of the Match performance from Marcus Hillman up front.’
Mr Alex Duncan
2nd XI 2-3 Reading School
‘A disappointing result for the 2nd XI given the performance by the team. Sam Wisely and Kieran Leach put in Men of the Match performances with a sterling display of strength, appetite and composure from the former and two well taken goals from the latter. Captain, Ross Johnstone, had another good game in defence whilst James Roxburgh-Smith and Ben Atkins continue to impress. We look forward to our next match where we hope to put in a good performance and secure a win.’
Mr Tiki Ebun-Cole
2nd XI 1-0 Wellington College
‘It was great to get back to winning ways in an evenly contested match. We passed the ball well, defended as a team and, most importantly, managed the game fantastically. Goalkeeper Ben Dinsdale was always ready when called upon and kept the team focused by being vocal, shouting out useful and timely instructions and encouragement to his team mates. I am beginning to run out of words to describe the performances of captain, Ross Johnstone. He headed everything that came his way, made several interceptions and also won all his foot races. Callum James, Brad Wilkins, Sam Wisely and Josh Howard were all strong and made very good decisions and were rewarded with a clean sheet. Finn Arbuckle continues to grow in his role as central defensive midfielder. He won lots of headers, won most of his one on ones and passed the ball well. He and Seb Rivett ensured that the defence was well protected. Lucas Brooks and Ben Tresidder both had good games on the right wing and combined well with the central midfielders to ensure that the Wellington defence had a restless afternoon. James Roxburgh-Smith put in a man of the match performance with the winning goal - a well-taken penalty after Ben Monson had been fouled in the box. In the first half, only a good save from the keeper denied him what would have been an excellent goal from 20 yards. He also played a number of delightful passes over the top and through the Wellington defence to set up a number of attacks. Ben Atkins had another great game, combining well with John Acton, Roxy and Ben Monson. On another day, Ben Monson would have found himself on the score sheet. He went past his marker on numerous occasions and now needs to find the composure to shoot when in the box.
Many thanks to Wellington College for being wonderful hosts. We look forward to reproducing the same level of performance against Forest School on Wednesday.’
Mr Tiki Ebun-Cole
4th XI 3-1 Reading School
‘The 4th XI took on Reading School on a blustery Wednesday afternoon. Reading school started the brightest with some fluent passing which was met by resolute Shiplake defending. Particularly impressive in defence were Kerim Philiskirk and James Grundy in goal. After fifteen minutes Shiplake opened the scoring when a neat through ball was slipped past the keeper by Will Parton and he doubled his tally before half time. Reading made it 2-1 shortly after half time but Shiplake recovered well and the match was settled by a 'worldie' from Callum Brady who smashed a volley into the top corner from 25 yards out. Congratulations to the boys for an excellent team performance and a convincing win.’
Mr Paul McCraw
4th XI 4-5 Gordon’s School
‘The 4th XI played Gordon’s School at home on Saturday 25 of February. Gordon’s started the better of the two teams as the new faces in the 4th XI team settled into the game. Against the run of play after 20 minutes, Shiplake opened the scoring with a counter-attacking goal slotted home by Els Frisby. Louis Ashcroft and Frisby showed great energy and bravery in attack throughout the first half. After a tight opening period the game really opened up in the second half, with goals from both sides and a number of fine saves by Shiplake’s James Grundy. Late call-up Olly Brown struck along with a fine second by Els Frisby who buried a shot into the top corner after a good cross and Louis Ashcroft scored Shiplake’s fourth. This entertaining game was 4-4 with five minutes on the clock and Shiplake were unfortunate to concede a fifth. Congratulations to the boys on a fine effort and performance. Special thanks to Lucas Brooks, Charlie Dodds and Olly Brown for stepping into the side at the last minute.’
Mr McCraw
U15A 5-0 Leighton Park School
‘After a frustrating 2-2 draw against Claire's Court, School Shiplake came to the game to win. Shiplake were playing great possession football and the score showed that at half time, with goals from George Head, Harvey Greenaway, Adam Porter and Rory Diez-Harrison, which meant we went into half time 4-0 up. Shiplake went into the second half looking for more goals, however Leighton Park started to play better football so we turned our tactics to keeping possession and slowing the game down. The game finished Shiplake 5, Leighton Park School nil, with the last goal being scored by Lewis Evans.’
Mr Duncan Miller
U15A 3-2 Wellington College
‘Following the 5-0 win against Leighton Park, Shiplake were looking to recreate the excellent display with a win against Wellington College. However, the whole team started slowly and Shiplake were down 2 goals in the opening 10 minutes. However Paul Studd made it 2-1 from 25 yards out, lifting the team's spirit. A follow up from a corner found George Head scoring the equaliser just a couple minutes before half time. Shiplake came out in the second half with fresh legs and a will to win. Following steady pressure Harvey Greenaway found himself through on goal and having drawn the defenders squared the ball to George Head to smash the ball into the open net to complete the perfect comeback. In the remaining 10 minutes Shiplake had 2 more respectable chances, one of them being a bicycle kick from Adam Porter, which was close to going into the top corner. The game finished Shiplake 3, Wellington College 2 - which allowed us to maintain our unbeaten run.’
U15B 2-1 Wellington College
‘Shiplake made a great start with the ball being passed upfield, through the Wellington defence for Billy Parrish to score in the first few minutes of the game. This was a great boost for the team’s confidence. Wellington then came back at us with great pace, were showing some great touches and were pushing us all the time. After several attempts, they eventually scored a great goal making the score 1-1. We then continued to push our strikers forward with some great passes and teamwork but Wellington kept coming back at us. Unfortunately, we then gave away a penalty but Stan Ingram made an amazing save and even managed to kick the ball out. Just before half time William Kyall made a great cross to Billy Parish who knocked the ball in the back of their net to make the score at half time 2-1.
We came out fighting in the second half and had so many great shots on target but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Final score was 2-1 with both goals scored by Billy Parrish. Well played boys!’
Archie Buchanan (Captain)
U14A 3-1 Claires Court School
'Shiplake started the game strongly with a grit and determination to win this away match. As the game kicked off Shiplake took control of the first 10 minutes moving the ball with pace and precision. 15 minutes in to the game Luke Theodorou was brought down just outside the box resulting in a free kick. Kai O'Hare stepped up and scored to make it 1-0 to Shiplake. The boys continued to press Claires Court creating more chances down the wide channels. Shortly afterwards Josh Gibson scored from short range inside the box to give Shiplake a convincing 2-0 lead at half time. 10 minuets into the second half Claires Court counter-attacked and manged to claw one back; however, the game was finished by a well worked move by Luke Theodorou. The final result was 3-1 to Shiplake.'
Joshua Gibson (Year 9)
U14A 3-0 Leighton Park
'It was a cold windy Thursday afternoon when Shiplake were hosting Leighton Park. Shiplake started well but Leighton Park were putting lots of through balls and trying to put high balls over the top, but they where easily cut out by Hugo Rex, Monty Greenaway, myself and Joe Duncalf. It was nearing to the end of the first half when Luke Theodorou took a shot, which was saved by the keeper. However, Kai O'Hare followed up the shot to make it 1:0. The first half was over, and after a brief but powerful speech my Mr Rose, Shiplake headed out onto the pitch on a high. Five minutes into the second half Luke Theodorou scored an amazing shot in the bottom corner to make it 2:0. aAclumsy foul by the Leighton Park midfielder got Shiplake a chance on the Leighton Park goal. Ben Yeoman stepped up and the wind did its job by helping the free kick into the top right corner. A deserved win and great team spirit ended the match 3:0 to Shiplake.'
Billy Bryan (Captain)
Hockey
U14A 1-2 Pangbourne College
‘After a narrow loss last week, The U14a went into this game very confident for another great performance. In the first half we created some great goal scoring opportunities but couldn’t quite finish them off. Pangbourne used this to their advantage and managed to capitalise on us not taking our chances. The first half ended with Pangbourne at 1-0
Shiplake went into the second half with the same positive attitude having made changes to our positions at half time. This worked well and allowed us to make great counter-attacks by the forwards. These attacks resulted in a great goal by Ed Gilbert-Blay Equalising the score at 1-1. Great defending from Zac Kennedy and Johnny Yulhanson Hutchins kept Pangbourne from breaking through our defence. With around 10 minutes to go, Pangbourne spotted a gap in Shiplake’s defence allowing them to score one more time. This left the score at 2-1 Pangbourne.
Man of the Match Ed Atkinson. All round great play throughout the entire game.’
Harry Watts (Captain)
U12B 1-1 Licensed Victuallers’ School, Ascot
‘After having various training sessions The Year 7 B’s traveled to LVS ascot for their first hockey match of the season, The First ? of the Match was a tough one for the B’s as Finlay Woods, Taj Angell and Oliver Dee give High Pressure to the LVS Team.
In the next 5-10 minutes LVS Was getting through our defence and having alot of shots at our keeper but We remained 0-0 for the end of the 2/3, after more high pressure from our attacking force we got More shots through the goalie but We didn’t manage to get through the goalie but after a quick shot LVS got away and got a late 1-0 goal.
With only a plays to go and High Pressure from Shiplake managed to squeeze a late goal by Gordon Fitzgerald to equal the 2 sides, final score: 1-1, Man of the Match Finlay Woods.’
Zac Morrison
Netball
1st VII 31-28 Licensed Victuallers' School, Ascot
'Last Wednesday Shiplake 1st VII played LVS Ascot at home. After looking into our oppositions previous scores, we realised that this game would be very even, and a hard match for Shiplake. Throughout the game, there was no more than a two goal difference between the teams. This was a result of our strong defensive pairs, Sophia Gibbs and Emily Duncan alongside Jess Hide and Charley Burgess. Accurate center passes to Liv Lucas and Brooke Creighton, put pressure on LVS. Shiplake were behind 10-8 at the end of the first quarter. After making some changes to the set up of the team, we regained the lead, ending the second quarter with Shiplake one goal ahead. The rest of the match was very even between both sides with one goal splitting us. Coming up to the end quarter our attack was very strong, keeping us in the lead. Mimi Brough and Eloise Harman were our central pair, creating great movement around the court. This was followed on by accurate shots from Brooke and Lauren. We kept spirits and sportsmanship high through out the game and put up a fight. Player of the Match: Lauren Way.'
Lauren Way, Year 13
2nd VII 16-15 Licensed Victuallers’ School, Ascot
‘Last Wednesday, Shiplake 2nd VII’s travelled to Ascot to play a match against LVS. With a good start and equal goals by the end of the first quarter, it was initially hard to judge the standard of the team Shiplake were up against.
During the middle quarters, each time Shiplake pulled ahead LVS seemed to catch up quickly and by the start of the 4th quarter, both teams had scored 15 goals so tension was high.
Thanks to fantastic defence and mid-court play, the last goal was scored ending the match at 16-15 to Shiplake. Congratulations to Jade Miller, GK, who achieved player of the match; and well done to Daisy Stuart who suffered an injury during the match and pushed through, hopefully you recover soon!’
Nadia Sherlock (Year 13)