The Shiplake teams found themselves facing tough opponents this week, in the form of local rivals Pangbourne. The Pangbourne teams were slick and determined, out for a win. This meant a difficult week of intense matches for the teams, which yielded some disappointing results.
Rugby
1st XV 14-17 Pangbourne
The Shiplake team faced the fiercest rivals so far this term: Pangbourne. Both teams came out with heads held high, determined to leave the field victorious. The match started slowly, allowing Pangbourne to score early on. However, the fighting spirit Shiplake had in such abundance was not diminished, and Shiplake began pushing the opposition on the back foot, and camped in their 22 for a large part of the first half of the game. Unfortunately, some miscommunication within the team meant that no points were scored, and Pangbourne were able to get in another try, leaving the score 14-0 at half time.
Shiplake went into the second half with some good forward drives and breaking lines from the backs. From a driven line, Shiplake got their first try, scored by Zach Heppner-Logan. This helped to lift flagging spirits. For a lot of the second half it was a very even game, with both teams playing good phases. A small error by Pangbourne allowed Shiplake to get a line out on their 10m line. The team drove again, and Charlie Sichel managed to finish it over the line, leaving the score 14 all. With just five minutes left, Shiplake had to keep the intensity up and prove that they could manage well under pressure. Unfortunately, Pangbourne were awarded a penalty conversion opportunity, which left the score 17-14.
U16A 29-19 Gillotts School
This was a fast-paced match that saw Shiplake play several well-fought phases. A solid win against a local rival.
U15A 14-50 Pangbourne
Mr Richard Curtis provides the following report from the tough U15A match:
‘The Shiplake boys were only too aware of the threat of the opposition’s outstanding captain and Number 8, who terrorised them in the previous encounter last year! And plans were laid to negate his influence accordingly. However, they were not aware of a new arrival to the Pangbourne set-up – another senior academy player – who tore our midfield to shreds.
Shiplake started well and managed to hold onto the ball for several phases before opening the scoring after Pangbourne were slow out of the blocks. However, it did not take the above-mentioned too long to get into their stride and create mayhem, even from deep in their own half. Pangbourne scored regularly thereafter, until midway through the second half when the Shiplake team exerted enough pressure to finish the game with a consolation try of their own.’
U14A 29-28 Pangbourne
'This really was a titanic clash and one that we had themed The Great Escape as we prepared for the fixture. With several players missing for various reasons we knew that this game was going to be a close encounter. However, the players that stepped up from the B XV were truly impressive and allowed us to play our best first half of rugby over the course of the season so far. Marcus Coulter carried the ball well and Joe Powell passed well from the breakdown. Callum Creighton and Rory Diez Harrison managed the pitch superbly and our field position forced regular mistakes from the large Pangbourne side. Tries from Adam Porter, Jerome Rocks and Rory Diex Harrison gave us a 17-7 half time lead.
However, the tide turned shortly after half time with Pangbourne scoring 14 unanswered points to take a 21 -17 lead. A lovely passage of passing then led to a try for Jerome Rocks in the far right corner giving us a narrow lead of one point going into the last 10 minutes. Rocks then scored a wonderfully opportunistic try, giving Shiplake College a 29-21 lead. Back came Pangbourne to score again, making it 29-28 with three minutes to play. Surge after surge of attack couldn’t break the disciplined Shiplake College defence and we held on to win by one point. Max Smith was simply superb throughout making over 15 tackles in the game. He was ably supported by Thierry Althorp and Harvey Greenaway both of whom also stood out throughout the course of the game. There is now lots of competition for places going into this week’s match with Cranleigh.'
Director of Sport, Mr James Gaunt
U13A 15-20 Abingdon School
Coach Mr Tom Crisford gives the following report from the very close game:
‘The match against Abingdon School was a real turning point for the U13A Rugby Team and there was much to be pleased with what was our finest display of the season. After some tough defeats recently Shiplake started the match brightly and found themselves two tries up within the first 10 minutes, courtesy of Ralph Burrows and Theo Fewtrell. This really lifted morale as we started to play some fantastic rugby. Unfortunately, Abingdon responded strongly and by half time the try count was two tries each, setting the game up for what was going to be a very exciting second half. Abingdon started the second half on the front foot, gaining an early try, but Shiplake did not let up, managing to score again courtesy of Zac Kennedy. However, Abingdon scored one further try taking the final score to four tries to three. Despite the narrow defeat, this was a great game for Shiplake with so much that we have been working on being put into good operation - the future now looks bright for this team.’
