Sports Report 12 February

Another week of fixtures and a real fluctuation in results; the 1st XI football team had a spectacular win against rivals Claire’s Court, coming home with serious bragging rights after earning a 4-1 victory. The outlook was not so positive for the U15A hockey team, who were beaten by Windsor Boys in a heavy loss. A tough day at the office!

Football

1st XI 4-1 Claire’s Court

Captain Freddie Lock offers the following report from a victorious match for Shiplake’s 1st team:

‘After a great result last game against Abingdon, Shiplake wanted to go into this next game with a positive mentality. With Shiplake missing some key players and having not played for a couple of weeks, we knew this game wouldn't be easy. After dominating the first part of the game but missing some chances, Ben Arnold’s header from a corner put Shiplake 1-0 up. Not long later Freddy Brady gets passed a few Claire’s Court midfielders and puts a great ball into the box, with Dan Deakin meeting the cross with a close range half volley to increase Shiplake’s lead to 2-0. Quickly after the half time break, Claire’s Court pumped the ball upfield. With the wind helping the ball reach Shiplake’s box, the ball hit the cross bar with the Claire’s court striker managed to meet the rebound and give them a goal, making the score 2-1. Not long later myself ran down the right wing to reach the byline and cut back a ball across the box to Chris Miller who calmly puts the ball in the back of the net putting Shiplake 3-1 up. With the end of the game approaching Shiplake had a couple of chances at goal, but not long later Ben Arnold was sent through making him 1 on 1 with the keeper which he managed to squeeze the ball through the keepers legs and into the net making the final score 4-1 to Shiplake. After a great performance with Shiplake controlling most of the game, it gives us great confidence going into the next game. Man of the match Ben Arnold for his two goals and creating lots of chances.’

Hockey

U15A 0-9 Windsor Boys

Mr Richard Curtis provides the following incredibly honest report from a really difficult match against a strong team:

‘This was not our finest hour… an awful performance all round. The only positives are that we managed to get home in good time! Unfortunately not a lot constructive came out of that match; it was a bad day at the office and best forgotten!’

U14A 1-1 Windsor Boys

‘Shiplake started in outstanding fashion scoring after just 25 seconds. Rory Diez Harrison controlled a loose ball before playing a beautiful long pass to Jack Underwood who fed Callum Creighton who finished the opportunity. Shiplake then settled into a very effective passing game, moving the athletic Windsor Boys team around the field with great efficiency. Play was being dominated by Shiplake but the outstanding Windsor goal keeper kept making exceptional saves. Late in the half Windsor enjoyed a rare foray into the Shiplake half and a well directed cross was deflected goal wards. Michael Scanlon did his best to react but could only parry the ball into the goal. It must be said that Michael did well to make any contact with the shot at all, especially given that it was his first game. Despite this setback Shiplake went into the second half feeling confident. Lively play from Barney Rivett, the effervescent Arthur Langelur and Cameron Jones meant that we remained the dominant team, especially with regards to our stick skills. Despite many more goal bound efforts we were unable to breach the last lines of the Windsor defence. Arthur Langelur came close when hitting the post but a last minute short corner turned to nothing and the game was rather frustratingly drawn. Rory Diez Harrison was exceptional in defence throughout and therefore deserves to be named man of the match.’

Director of Sport Mr James Gaunt