Sports Report 23 January 2019

Now well into the new year, we'll be sharing our Netball, Football and Hockey reports every Wednesday throughout the Spring Term. Last week saw some brilliant starts to respective seasons, and our pupils have certainly started with a positive outlook on their chosen sports. 

Hockey

1st XI v Lord Wandsworth College 2nd XI

Shiplake made the journey to Lord Wandsworth in what has become an annual fixture against a very good hockey school. The pre-match excitement levels were high as the players received their new playing shirts for the season and energy in the changing room extended out on to the pitch in what was a very lively first 5 minutes of the match. Gorringe, Rees and Creighton looked like they were keen to get the season up and running with a fabulously worked move down the left hand side, only for the giant Lord Wandsworth keeper to make a great save down low. At the other end of the pitch, a new look back line of Mealing, Watts, Underwood and Tilley, with Deakin patrolling in front, were slowly figuring each other out and looked like the making of a solid defensive wall.

Much of the attacking play in first half went in Shiplake’s favour, with Rouse-Roberts, Rees and Deakin controlling the midfield and winning the majority of the 50:50 contests. Rees in particular lived up to the pre match hype of ‘One to Watch’ as he made several devastating runs with the ball through midfield, linking well with Gorringe, Creighton and Groves-Raines, who make up a pacey and (potentially) clinical front three. Shiplake got their reward for their positive forward play with after Rees fed Creighton, who played a cheeky ball back under his shoulder through to Groves-Raines, who finished with a lovely chipped reverse stick shot over the sprawling Lord Wandsworth keeper, who had been unbeatable until that point. What a great start to life in the 1st XI for youngster Groves-Raines.

At half time, the team reflected on the great stuff that had been happening in the first half but also highlighted some key areas for improvement, particularly with our defensive strategy, and went out to face a reenergised Lord Wandsowrth for the second half.

Lord Wandsworth upped their game in the second half and seemed to be finding gaps all over the pitch to exploit. First team veteran Jamie Gibbs was called into action several times and pulled off one or two remarkable saves down low, and denied several golden opportunities for the home team. However, as with all the great matches, Lord Wandsworth pulled a goal back with ten minutes left on the clock to set up a spectacular finale. Gradually, Watts, Mealing, Underwood and Tilley started getting on top of things once again and began to look very comfortable on the ball, using the right side of the pitch so effectively that opposition coaches were heard applauding on the side line. Mealing in particular turned his opposition number inside out on several occasions, leaving him in a daze.

One particular move down the right hand side led to a prolonged period of pressure for Shiplake, who tested the keeper a few times, won a number of corners and pegged back the opposition. Then, the ball was moved from the left side of the pitch and played into the D where a Lord Wandsworth player was eliminated with a piece of ingenious trickery, before it was squared to Jack Rees, who turned on a sixpence and flicked the ball into the corner of the net. The Junior A’s went crazy on the side line, screaming the names of their heroes in the 1st XI, as the players made their way back to half way to set up and see out the final three minutes of the game.

This was a great way to start the season, particularly given the volume of new (and young) faces to the squad. Despite numerous strong individual performances, man of the match goes to newcomer Dom Mealing who is already looking like an excellent bit of recruitment by the management team.

Report provided by Head of Hockey, Mr T Walter.

Junior As v Lord Wandsworth College

The match started very evenly with Zac Bailey-Williams controlling the game at centre-mid. Shiplake were able to put a few attacks together through the mid-field and Freddie Shorten found himself at the edge of the 25-yard area early on. Lord Wandsworth were very solid in defence and were quick to counter attack. Some excellent counter defence by Louis Poundall and Milo Griffiths while Zac kept the game in the mid-field area. Lord Wandsworth were always lightning fast to counter attack down the right. Fortunately, James McLeod, Fergus Heggie and Flynn Wilson were calm and solid in defence and were able to break down most attacks. However, Lord Wandsworth pounced on a free ball in the D near the end of the half and we changed ends at 0-1.

The second half saw Shiplake start with a new found confidence and the midfield trio of Milo, Zac and Louie were able to build multiple attacking plays down both the right and left. Freddie Shorten bounced off one of the LWW defenders and took a shot that was deflected wide - our best opportunity. Shiplake were able to put three more moves together and pressure the defenders to force a short corner - something that we could not convert. Toby Broadbent in goal had a busy second half and played superbly to unpick the forceful counter attacks of the large forwards - saving at least three clear goals! The last five minutes saw LWW force in a final goal from a counter attack and the game ended 0-2. Although a loss, this is a much closer result than last year’s 1-6, so a very pleasing start to the season.

Report provided by Junior A Coach, Mrs S Bayley.

Netball

A Team v Reading Blue Coat School

Last Wednesday, Shiplake A team played their first league match of the season against Reading Blue Coat. With Blue Coat winning the first centre pass, Shiplake were ready to go and were determined to intercept the ball. With great defence from Ella, Maddie and Hattie, Shiplake were able to intercept and pass the ball to Georgie and Ellen. However, it was also clear to see that the opposition were also strong through each third of the court, and they continued to convert Shiplake’s mistakes into their own successes.

With a few changes in positions at half time and strong defence from Shiplake, they were able to force Blue Coat’s to make some mistakes, and force them to make several passes before the ball could be passed into their shooters. Player of the match went to Lydia.

Report provided by A Team Captain, Lydia Lyons.

B Team v Reading Blue Coat School

Last Wednesday, the B team travelled to Reading Blue Coat to play the first league game. After a warm up and a few drills, the girls were ready to get playing. Within the first quarter, the team got the ball down to the goal several times and with some incredible shooting skills from Alina and Anna, the girls were able to score goal after goal. The team were very focused in the second quarter, with good communication that allowed the team’s passes to be stronger and more accurate. In the third quarter, the girls’ enthusiasm dropped slightly as the rain was pouring down, making their passes less accurate. However, after a quick team talk after the third quarter the girls regained their focus, keeping Shiplake well ahead of the Blue Coat score. Shiplake’s strong defence stopped the Blue Coat girls getting near their goal as Ella and Rhian Edwards made excellent passes in the centre half to our shooters. The final score was 22-8 to Shiplake, well played to all of the girls especially Livie who was awarded Player of the match.

Report provided by B Team Captain, Mary Keswick.

C Team v Reddam House School

Starting the first game of the season against Reddam House School, the C team girls were all warmed up and ready to get straight into the match. At the beginning of the first quarter, defence from Hannah W and Rosie was very strong, and despite a few goals from the opposition, they quickly worked the ball up the court with great play from India, Poppy and Hannah S. Despite a strong defence from the opposition, the Shiplake Cs managed to catch up with the score as Sophie and Grace shot two goals bringing the score to 2-3. With a quick change of positions and team, the Cs remained strong and kept focus through the rain and cold. Amelia and Elsbeth in defence kept possession of the ball and shoot again bringing the score to 7-8 at the end of the third quarter. With a few lucky free passes for Shiplake, they managed to keep up with Reddam throughout the game, and with just nine seconds left, the shooters got the final shot of the game, bringing the score to 10-9 to Reddam. Player of the match goes to Rosie.

Report provided by C Team Captain, Grace Lucas

Football

Shiplake College 1st XI vs UCS

Shiplake started the game with great intensity winning the ball from UCS in a matter of seconds. This quick turnover was quickly followed by a great ball into the box for Callum Theodorou to rise above the centre back and guide it into the net, 1-0 Shiplake. This positive play continued with Rufus Stone down the left hand side putting crosses in, beating the right back for fun. This repeated danger led to Ben Atkin taking a corner, curling the ball all the way into the goal past the baffled keeper. Not long after, Sean Farrell finished another delightful cross from Rufus Stone with the outside of his boot.

The second half started, but unlike the first half, Shiplake put pressure on themselves. However, with some more confident play and domination in the mid-field, the passing became fluid and chances were being created. Stealing the ball in the middle, driving into a dangerous area won a free kick for Shiplake, which was exquisitely placed into the top corner by Luke Theodorou making it 4-0. UCS had almost no shots on goal and high pressure from Shiplake, pinned UCS into their own final third and mistakes were made leading to a comfortable finish for Joe Christie who made himself a presence up top. Shortly after the goal, Joe Christie played a low driven cross into the box where Rufus Stone was waiting to finish the game, ending it 6-0. This was a comfortable game for Shiplake and with two wins in a row under the team’s belt, we can be more confident going into a tough run of games. MOTM - Rufus Stone

Report provided by Head of Football, Mr P McCraw.