With three fixtures at Reading Blue Coat School on Saturday 15 September, our boys traveled to Sonning to take on the competition. Unfortunately, the results weren't fantastic, but our boys learned a lot about their new teams and new teammates, and never allowed their heads to drop all the while!
Shiplake 1st XV v Reading Blue Coat School
The match started with Reading Blue Coat’s forwards putting early pressure on our boys, which seemed to be the only tactic they brought to the game, but used it very effectively. Shiplake struggled to deal with this and were soon found defending their own try line. After a few tackles were missed and the work rate our boys had been training for all week was not met, Reading Blue Coat soon achieved the first try of the game. Shiplake struggled to gain possession of the ball, and when they had it, they were not clinical. The team became frustrated when a few calls by the referee did not go the way of the home side; these errors were further compounded due to some questionable tackling which soon led to Shiplake losing the ball and Blue Coat scoring another try after missed tackles and poor defending from Shiplake.
After a break in play and while Shiplake rebuilt momentum, Jack Rees was able to run a strong line down the wing, passing the ball back inside to Josh Howard who scored. However, it was immaterial as a penalty try was given moments earlier for a high tackle. This meant that, at half time, the score was 7 - 17. The half did not finish the way we would have liked as Matt Davies was taken off the pitch after a heroic tackle from kick-off which led to him being stretchered off the field. Thankfully, he is fine, but a bit bruised.
Shiplake started the second half a lot better, putting Blue Coat under pressure in their own 5m but unfortunately failing to make it over the whitewash. The pressure kept building but soon a lack of physicality was shown after Blue Coat returned to the ‘route one’ rugby they had utilised to good effect in the first half. They extended their lead with a try on the right hand side, pushing the score further out of reach: 7-24. Shiplake then returned with a wonder line down the middle of the field from Matty Fitzgerald who was stopped before the line and popped the ball to Oli Heap who carried the ball, which then set Matt Dalrymple up for a cross kick that with a bounce that landed for Harry Holmes to score. Shiplake could not regain the score leaving it at 14- 27 to Bluecoat.
Thank you very much to everyone who came out and support the boys for the game. The 1st XV were very disappointed not to deliver what they wanted, but still learned lots. Next up are Caterham School on Saturday 22 September at 2.30pm.
Report provided by Robbie Cartwright
Shiplake 2nd XV v Reading Blue Coat School
On Saturday 15th September, the 2nd XV played Reading Blue Coat School. Shiplake started well, putting pressure on Blue Coat and forcing them to kick out of their own half. After eight minutes of Shiplake’s good defence inside their own 22, Blue Coat decided to kick for the posts from a penalty, making the score 3-0.
Shiplake continued to keep the pressure on Blue Coat after winning the ball back in the midfield with some aggressive defending, causing Blue Coat to make mistakes. Good ‘pick and go’s from the forwards, which opened up space for the backs and allowed Joe Ruffle to score off a line break making the score 6 - 7 in favour of Shiplake.
The second half came around and Blue Coat came with a new plan of action, continuously chipping the ball over our defensive line, causing the 2nd XV to be on the back foot. This lead to scrappy play and ended with Shiplake giving away penalties. Blue Coat’s kicker then converted these penalties into points. It was a tricky scenario for our boys to adapt to, as this was their first game. Final score 16-7 to Reading Blue Coat.
Overall Shiplake displayed a strong defence but can work on our attack this week, and improve before our game this Saturday. Special thanks to Mr Duncan for referring the match and Mr Urkidi for the continuous positive support on and off the pitch.
Report provided by James Daniel
Shiplake U13s at Epsom College Tournament
The U13s arrived early at Epsom College on Saturday morning. The team was a bit tired, but soon woke up and didn't allow themselves to slump. As soon as they got to Epsom, they took off their tracksuits, put on their boots and did a small drill with the U13s' fabulous coach Mr Brown. Five minutes later, the siren sounded and the boys were on the pitch for their first match against Reading Blue Coat School. As soon as they got onto the pitch, our boys knew it would be a tough competition. Reading Blue Coat scored their first try in the first minute and then scored another six in quick succession. Not the best start but though we were down, we were not out!
The next game was against Epsom College and this time Shiplake were determined to win. After a few minutes, Josh Hamer broke through and scored the boys' first try. Not long after, Sam Chambers received a pop pass from Finn Suter and he ran in for another try. Just before the siren blew, Finn sped through the defence to score a third- the final score was 3-1.
In the next game against Ewell Castle, the U13s were ready for anything, and scored two tries straight off. At half time, Mr Brown encouraged the boys to stay strong. As soon as they got back on the field, Ewell Castle came at Shiplake's U13s like an army, making the final score 2-2 .
The boys learned a lot from their first tournament of the season, and have lots to improve, but we are looking forward to our next match.
Report provided by Edward Davie
