This weekend, Shiplake played host to eight fantastic games of Rugby. Due to pitch renovations and maintenance at University College School all scheduled games were played on the New Field, Riverside pitches and the Memorial Field. All of the corresponding teams were equally matched in skill, strategy and size which made for some highly competitive games.
2nd XV vs University College School
Following the half term break, the 2nd XV were keen to build on their success having beaten Cranleigh for the first time in 13 years. Within two minutes, JJ Acton had put any nerves to rest with an incredible demonstration of an independent sprint, which was followed by some great ‘off load’ rugby. Although the Shiplake boys were facing a tough battle, the backs looked dangerous with the ball in hand.
Shiplake continued to dominate possession and territory with the forwards running beautiful lines, retaining the ball and releasing the backs into acres of space. Lewis Bishop and Jamie Gibbs went over for another two tries before Will Parton expertly placed the ball down in the corner from a cross-field kick. Although the referee, Mr Howorth, was unable to keep up with the pace of the Shiplake players, he was able to keep up with the score line. The final score was 40 points to 5. Man of the match, for his stoic defence and his attacking flair, Joe Kerrigan.
U-16A vs University College School
The Under 16s played on one of Shiplake’s Riverside pitches, on a dark and rainy day; conditions the boys were not used to… before this game. It started slowly until our boys came to the realisation that their opponents were equally matched in experience.
The game panned out to be quite the rollercoaster, with weak moments being countered by some impressive skill and strategy. Our boys managed to work the ball into UCS’22 before they stole it back and emerged from their own half of the pitch. Unfortunately, they emerged all the way to the try line and placed the ball down before converting it.
In the second half, Shiplake started strong, with a try straight from the kick-off. The game went downhill from there as Shiplake had to defend constantly until the final whistle blew. Coach Mr Diez-Urkidi said ‘we must be focused and prepared in advance as well as be able to adapt early to the conditions of the game’.
The final score was 10-5 to University College School.
U-16B vs University College School
The game started and Shiplake were on the front foot. Powerful running by skippers Patrick Kenny, Dom Deakin, Taryn Ruparel and Jack Underwood meant that Shiplake covered some serious ground. Unfortunately, our boys turned the ball over too often, and with handling errors and lack of support at breakdowns were unable to get the try. After ten minutes, UCS kicked over the top (correctly; given the conditions) and they capitalized on territory, scoring the first try in the corner. A second and third try followed due to similar tactics and Shiplake could not believe they were 19-0 down having started the game as the better team. Heads did drop a little, allowing a further two tries before half time.
Some simple words regarding tactics and bravery from the coaches at halftime saw a great response. The second half was very even and Patrick Kenny was not to be denied a well-deserved try as he powered over with seven men on his back! Other chances came and went and the final score of 41-5 was harsh on Shiplake for their efforts but not surprising given the power of the opposition and their superior game management. Back to the drawing board and another game v Mill Hill next Saturday. We will keep going! This is among the best performances the under 16Bs have displayed this year. Despite the result, spirits remained high, especially after the excellent display in the second half.
Men of the match: Patrick Kenny and Josh Lewis
U-15B vs University College School
This was a very even game for the majority, with tries going back and forth throughout keeping both sides level for most of the game. Shiplake were the first to score with a very well worked try from Johnny ‘The Powerhouse’ Yulhanson-Hutchins. He was tackled two or three times, but kept getting up quick enough to keep the momentum going. Indeed, Johnny was to prove a tricky customer for UCS throughout the afternoon.
UCS had a quick response and with a few quick backs in their team, they were quite hard to defend against on the counter-attack. Shiplake struck next with an excellent darting run from Luke ‘The Pocket Rocket’ Theodorou. To which UCS returned the favour. At halftime, the scores were level, but in the second half, Johnny Yulhanson-Hutchins again proved too much in the way of power. He scored a classic Number 8 pick-up try. A great win for the Bs on a tricky day of wet weather. Special mention to Luke, who scored all of his conversions. The final score was 21-14 to Shiplake.
U-14B vs University College School
The under 14Bs were hoping to win as they had not played for two weeks. The intensity was high from the kick off as each side was playing good rugby; but as time went on Shiplake started to wake up and slowly began to dominate the game. A slight break allowed our boys to break through their defence, passing constantly until Bertie Wallace scored. The game continued with great tackling from both teams and particularly strong tackles from Tom Sharpe and Alex Rowe.
With the second half well under way, both teams were playing well until Thomas Ratiu came on: his first touch of the ball and in no time, had scored followed by a kick from Oliver Stalder putting Shiplake in the lead 12-5. Man of the match going to Thomas Ratiu and Louis Holland.
Other Results:
- 1st XV vs University College School - Lost 15-7
- U-15A vs University College School - Lost 5-0
- U-14A vs University College School - Lost 38-0