The first Headmaster’s XV of the Spring Term has been
revealed, with a number of new faces included for the first time. Coaches in
hockey, football, netball and junior rugby were asked for the first time to
elect their most dedicated and committed players.
A record number of teams have been fielded across the four
sports this term, in addition to a reincarnation of the ‘Shiplake Tropics’
basketball team, last seen in 2010. Highlights have included a solid start to
the season for the hockey 2nd XI, a first ever appearance of a
Shiplake 5th XI in football, and a record number of girls
representing the Shiplake netball team. Orla Brown also became the first girl
to play for the senior hockey 1st XI.
All fifteen members of the Headmaster’s team deserve great
credit, standing out amongst their teammates as the most dedicated player.
Particularly notable inclusions include Callum Heppner-Logan (Football 1st
XI), who before Christmas was included as the rugby 1st XV pick.
Maintaining such high commitment and aptitude across two major sports is a
highly commendable achievement.
Tim Herbert and Christian Miller also deserve a special
mention for their achievements in teams above their usual age group. Although
picked as a Junior Colts team member, Tim has made several appearances for the
senior 1st and 2nd teams, despite only being in Year 10.
Christian, in Year 11, has made one appearance for the football 1st
XI and several for the 2nd XI, joining fellow Year 11 pupils Miles
Bridgman, Cameron Goodliffe and Elliot Whittingham in the senior set up.
Netball coach Miss Hilda Frimpong had a tough task of
selecting just two girls from the 20+ which have now represented the team so
far this season. On this occasion, experienced Year 13 players Beth Jones and
Chloe Goodman were selected, although as the term progresses we are bound to
see some new players included, who have already shown great promise, including
Liv Bird and Phoebe Eggar.
Congratulations to all pupils included in the Headmaster’s
XV this half term.
