Sports Report 20 June

20 June 2015

A number of final matches for the season were played last week, but there were a few matches yet to be played. The weather held out and the season finished in a blaze of sunshine and some fantastic results.

Cricket

Shiplake College 1^st XI at Reading Schools T20 Festival at Reading Blue Coat

Mr Jonnie Howorth provides the following report:

‘Shiplake took an inexperienced XI to Reading Blue Coat for the annual end of season T20 Festival. With Year 12 and the majority of Year 13 unavailable the youngsters had to step up with four debuts handed out to Year 10s. In the first round Shiplake came up against a strong Reading School outfit who batted well to score 149 for 5 off their 20 overs, with Tom Banks taking 2 for 9 with some excellent left arm pace bowling. The Shiplake reply got off to a superb start with Joe Tucker scoring 48 off 30 balls before Year 11 Freddie Davis blazed 62 not out to leave Shiplake needing 14 off the last over and six off the last ball. Sadly we couldn’t get over the line and fell five runs short in a pulsating game.

We moved into the Plate Semi-Final against a strong John Hampden School XI and again fielded first. They raced to 75 for 3 off their first ten overs but some outstanding bowling from Year 10s Ollie Simpson (1-15) and Freddie Bowcock (2-16) restricted them to 123 for 8 off their 20. Our response got off to flying start with Joe Tucker (25) and Markland Tidswell (29) putting us well ahead of the rate. The young middle order held firm with Ollie Brown (12 not out) steering us home with four overs and four wickets in hand.

Onto the Plate Final against Dr Challoners Grammar School. They batted first on a very batsmen friendly wicket and posted 183 all out from their 20 overs. Four wickets for stand spinner and usual 2^nd XI wicket keeper Charles Marsden kept us in it and after 19.1 overs they were 183 for 5. Enter Tucker and five of the most incredible balls you will see on a cricket pitch. The final five balls of the Challoners innings included two run outs and three wickets.

With a large total to chase Shiplake batted positively and an excellent knock from stand in Captain Miles Bridgman (41) and Markland Tidswell (36) got Shiplake to 157 for 5 off our 20 overs.

A brilliant day’s cricket with some outstanding fielding, batting and bowling. With the younger members of the squad contributing so well next season looks promising.’

Shiplake College U15A XI vs Windsor Boys

Director of Sport Mr James Gaunt provides the following report:

‘This was the last game of the season for Shiplake College U15A XI, so it inevitably meant a great deal to all of the boys involved. It was also a good opportunity to see how much progress we had made over the course of the season. After losing the toss and being asked to bowl, we soon had Windsor in much trouble, reducing them to 27-4 with Freddie Bowcock taking two early wickets. From there it was evident that Windsor were going to struggle to amass runs, so it provided us with the perfect opportunity to give those who haven’t bowled much this year a few overs. Jacob Bowley was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets by bowling an excellent line and strength. Sam Neil, Tim Herbert and Darius Braun also bowled well, before Lewis Bishop took the last wicket to conclude the Windsor innings at 64 all out.

In reply, we again gave some of the pupils who hadn’t had much opportunity a chance to bat higher up the order. Jacob Bowley didn’t last long at the top of the order, but Ben Westbrook Burr smashed an imperious 50 not out. Ben was supported ably by Sam Neil who has made fantastic progress across the course of the season. His enthusiasm to learn and listen is a trait which many of the team have displayed throughout the year. Shiplake College won by nine wickets and a solid squad of enthusiastic, talented cricketers deserve great credit for all of the endeavour they have displayed this year.’