On the hockey and football pitches there have been some closely fought matches against opponents Abingdon and Pangbourne. The netball hasn't disappointed either including the hotly contested staff vs students thriller!
Football
Shiplake College 1st XI vs Abingdon
A depleted Shiplake team arrived at Abingdon with little time to prepare and the added element of a Premier League referee taking charge of the game. A slow start saw Abingdon quickly take the lead from a well finished cross. 1-0. The game settled after the first 10 minutes of panic. This allowed Shiplake into the game, creating chances for L Theodorou, E Lee and S Farrell. However, nothing came of it and Abingdon showed their dangerous attack that was held at bay by F Brown making a brilliant triple save. This back and forth battle continued into half time.
Two key messages were acted upon by the team, communicating more and becoming more physical without the ball and this put the game into Shiplake’s hands. A chance down one end quickly turned into a counter attack and a goal from a tight angle from Abingdon. Shiplake bounced back and an excellent ball was lifted over the defence by S Farrell to W Richards who finished it first time with an exquisite volley. 2-1. The even contest continued until late in the game. A ball down the line to J Christie who broke past the defender led to a penalty as Joe was dragged to the floor, a chance for Shiplake to equalise. E Lee stepped up and slotted it calmly past the keeper making it 2-2. A defensive struggle began, with crosses and corners peppering the Shiplake goal but some great defending particularly from R Stone, J Walne and F Brown in goal thwarted Abingdon's attacking chances. The game ended 2-2, a well deserved result for both teams although a win was well in sights.
MOTM - W Richards
Hockey
Junior B Team vs Pangbourne
After watching the 2nds put up a spirited display against their Pangbourne counterparts, the Junior Bs were in good shape to take on their opponents. Shiplake lacked a lot of shape early on, with wave after wave of Pangbourne attack being repelled. However, some quick positional changes saw Shiplake take control of the game much more, especially in defence. By half time Shiplake were even getting the opportunity to take a shot or two on goal.
Following the break the Junior Bs conceded a quick counterattack goal but this did not dampen spirits and, after some nice interplay in Pangbourne's half, Shiplake managed to create numerous chances on goal. Sadly though, no-one was able to take the opportunity to equalise and Pangbourne ended up with a 0-1 victory.
Netball
Netball A Team vs Leighton Park
Last Wednesday, Shiplake A Team played a league match against Leighton Park. With Leighton Park winning the first centre, Shiplake were determined to turn the ball over. A few minutes into the game, it was clear that Leighton Park had the upper hand over Shiplake. However, this didn’t affect Shiplake’s play. With great defence from M Simpson and S Hahn they were able to prevent Leighton Park from scoring, then with accurate passes from E Hodson and G Stebbings Shiplake managed to convert the passes to goal.
After a good team talk at half time Shiplake were ready to go. With some great teamwork from B Hooley and M Simpson, and with Ella passing the ball accurately into the shooters Shiplake managed to keep the scoring ticking over, even with the very tight defence of Leighton Park. After a strongly contested game, and great play from both teams, Leighton Park took the win. Player of the match went to E. Hodson
Match Report: Lydia Lyons, A Team Netball Captain
Netball B Team vs Holyport College
On Wednesday 13 March, the Shiplake B team girls headed to Holyport to play their penultimate league game. The girls knew that this was going to be a tough match however this did not dampen their spirits and determination.
The game started with Shiplake getting the first center, and quickly orientated the ball towards their goal. In the first quarter Shiplake had scored three goals but Holyport were pulling ahead slightly. In the second quarter the girls were determined to try and turn the scores round but Holyport had good defence and made some good interceptions. Shiplake demonstrated good defence with K Mannings, E Roullier and R Edwards getting the ball down to the attacking end. In the third quarter the play slowed down and the girls were starting to get tired, however in the fourth quarter we had made a few changes in players and had a team talk about our strategies. Shiplake came into the last quarter determined to win, having the strongest play so far and accurate passes. It was a very tough game but all the girls played extremely well. The final score was 16-10 to Holyport and well done to all the girls especially A Shekhmameteva who got player of the match.
Match report: M Keswick, B Team Captain
Netball B Team vs Leighton Park
On Wednesday, 20 March Shiplake Bs played their last league game of the season against Leighton Park. All the girls knew that this was the match to win and after watching the As the nerves grew. However, after a few drills Shiplake were more than ready to start play. With a couple of players away and Molly’s debut for netball, Shiplake knew that it was going to be tough. However, with great defence from O Ferguson and M Jobson the ball came quickly back to Shiplake's end and with excellent shooting from A Shekhmameteva the final score for the first quarter was 9-5 to Shiplake. When the girls were preparing for the final three quarters they all knew that Leighton Park were just going to improve so Shiplake's play had to get stronger. The Bs had very accurate passes from R Edwards, G Holliday and A Hallam into centre court which made it easier to get the ball to the shooters who made the final score 31-17 to Shiplake. Well played to all the girls today and this season especially O Ferguson for getting player of the match.
Match report: M Keswick, B Team Captain
Staff vs Student Netball
On Tuesday, the hotly contested Staff v Student netball took place. Following a convincing win from the staff last year, the Year 13 netballers were determined to win the shield back.
From the beginning, it was a closely fought contest. The staff took the lead in the first quarter thanks to Miss Mordue’s brilliant shooting and support from her centre Mr Walter, wing Mr Miller and shooter Mr Geyton. Later on in the game Mr Brown joined the staff team and made quite an impact! Some of the male teachers struggled a little with the rules, but brought their rugby and basketball skills to the game making for some interesting, sometimes frenetic shooting, passing and catching.
As the game went on, the students impressive tactics and skills shone through and they started narrowing the score line and at the final whistle it was a draw. It was decided that the game would go to a golden goal and the students would have the centre pass. L Lyons had done a fantastic job of shooting throughout the game so it was no surprise that when the ball entered the students’ D, the goal was theirs. Players of the match went to L Lyons for the girls and Mr Miller for the staff.
Final Score: 19-18 to the girls!
Thanks to Miss Mordue for organising and also to the umpires, Miss Lawrence and Mrs Lyons.